By - Mahadi Tukur Almizan
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has opted to avoid making any stops in Europe during his upcoming trip to the United States, reportedly due to concerns over a potential arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The ICC is investigating allegations against Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for their roles in events related to Gaza, including charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
According to Israeli media, Netanyahu's office recently deliberated on whether to include European layovers while en route to Washington, where he is scheduled to deliver a speech before the US Congress on July 24th. Ultimately, Netanyahu chose to fly directly to Washington aboard a flight with limited passengers, citing logistical reasons that restrict the "Wing of Zion" aircraft from carrying a full load on transatlantic flights.
Amid fears the International Criminal Court was readying an arrest warrant against him, Netanyahu cancels his visit to the Czech Republic & Hungary https://t.co/MSJ6Q2vbEs
— Sarah Wilkinson (@swilkinsonbc) July 10, 2024
While alternatives such as stopping in countries geographically closer to Israel were considered, Netanyahu decided to bypass layovers altogether in favor of a nonstop flight to the US capital.
Several European nations, including some of Israel's close allies like Germany, have affirmed their readiness to enforce any ICC arrest warrants against Netanyahu should he visit their territories and such warrants be issued. Similarly, the newly elected UK government is anticipated to withdraw its legal efforts to delay ICC proceedings concerning Israeli officials.
Should the ICC's pre-trial chamber approve the arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant, it would represent a significant precedent, marking the first time the court has pursued such actions against a leader supported by Western nations.
Historically, the ICC has primarily issued warrants against leaders viewed as adversaries to Western interests, such as Russian President Vladimir Putin and the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.
Although Israel is not a member of the ICC, Palestine was granted membership in 2015, allowing the court to investigate alleged crimes committed by Israeli individuals in Palestinian territories, including Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. While the ICC lacks enforcement mechanisms for arrest warrants, its 124 member states, including all EU countries, are obligated to arrest individuals subject to ICC warrants within their jurisdictions.
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