The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accusing him of war crimes during the recent Israel-Gaza conflict.
Netanyahu is charged with crimes including “starvation as a method of warfare” and “murder and persecution”.
This makes him the first Israeli leader to face such action from the ICC in the history of the conflict.
Israel, which is not an ICC member, dismissed the move as “absurd and antisemitic,” arguing the court lacks jurisdiction and accusing it of political bias.
Netanyahu’s office defended Israel’s military actions as a just response to the October 7 attacks, labeling the ICC’s accusations baseless.
The warrants could severely restrict Netanyahu’s international travel, as the 124 ICC member states are legally obligated to detain him if he enters their territories.
Legal experts suggest the ruling may also hinder third-party cooperation with Israel’s military.
