Israel to appeal ICC arrest warrant for PM Netanyahu, ex-defense chief

The Israeli government has officially notified the International Criminal Court (ICC) of its intention to appeal arrest warrants issued for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant over their roles in the Gaza conflict.

Netanyahu’s office announced the move on Wednesday, stating ongoing US political support.

US Senator Lindsey Graham has reportedly updated Netanyahu on measures being advanced in Congress to counter the ICC and discourage cooperation with it by other nations.

The ICC prosecutor, Karim Khan, had filed motions for arrest warrants against Netanyahu, Gallant, and Hamas leader Ibrahim Al-Masri, citing alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel and the subsequent Israeli military response in Gaza.

The ICC dismissed earlier arguments by Israel challenging the court’s jurisdiction over the case.

In response, Netanyahu’s office stated, “Israel today submitted a notice to the International Criminal Court of its intention to appeal to the court, along with a demand to delay the execution of the arrest warrants.”

ICC spokesperson Fadi El Abdallah confirmed that any appeals would be reviewed by ICC judges.

The court also noted that the UN Security Council has the authority to defer investigations or prosecutions for a year, with the option to renew such deferments annually.

It also stated that after a warrant is issued, the country involved or a person named in an arrest warrant has the right to issue a challenge to the jurisdiction of the court or the admissibility of the case.