The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has led to an intense debate over Netanyahu and Gallant’s war crimes. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant of committing war crimes, issuing arrest warrants for both. The ICC alleges they intentionally targeted Palestinians during the conflict, a claim that has sparked widespread international controversy. Netanyahu has vehemently denied the accusations, calling the ICC’s decision “antisemitic.”
Israel made every effort to reduce civilian losses, Netanyahu said in defense of the country’s military activities. “We have supplied Gaza with 700,000 tons of food to feed the people of Gaza,” he claimed. Gallant denounced the ICC for comparing Israel to Hamas, arguing that the latter group had committed crimes including kidnapping and rape.
Hamas called the ICC’s action against Israeli officials a “historic correction” of past injustices but avoided commenting on the warrant for its commander, Mohammed Deif. It is hoped that this development will result in accountability for suspected atrocities, according to many Palestinians in Gaza.
The ICC has indicted Netanyahu and Gallant for using starvation as a weapon, committing murder, and crimes against humanity. The court has charged Mohammed Deif for planning deliberate attacks during the October 2023 Hamas invasion of Israel. This invasion killed 1,200 Israelis and led to the capture of 251 hostages, according to the ICC’s findings.
The United States and Israel both deny the ICC’s jurisdiction. Reiterating American support for Israel’s security, President Joe Biden referred to the court’s proceedings for Netanyahu and Gallant’s war crimes as “outrageous.” Neither Israel nor the United States are among the 124 member states the ICC relies on to implement warrants. Certain European nations and the United Kingdom have supported the ICC’s rulings, highlighting the ongoing international split.
