Israeli Reactions
Following the International Criminal Court (ICC) issuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leader Ibrahim al-Masri, several Israeli officials voiced strong opposition. Netanyahu condemned the court’s decision, calling it a “dark day” and accusing the ICC of becoming an enemy of humanity. He characterized the move as an “antisemitic step” aimed at deterring Israel’s right to defend itself.
Former Defence Minister Gallant rejected the notion that Israel should be denied the right to defend itself, stating that the attempt to deny Israel its just war would fail. President Isaac Herzog described the decision as choosing the side of terrorism over democracy, while Foreign Minister Gideon Saar labeled the ICC’s decision as “absurd” and questioned the court’s legitimacy. Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also condemned the ICC as “antisemitic.”
Palestinian Reactions
Hamas, on the other hand, welcomed the ICC’s arrest warrants, calling for the accountability to be extended to all Israeli leaders responsible for war crimes. Senior Hamas official Basem Naim hailed the warrants as an important step toward justice, though he emphasized that it should be backed by practical support from all countries. The Palestinian Authority also supported the decision, urging ICC members to enforce the warrants.
Reactions from Lawyers and NGOs
Human rights lawyers and organizations viewed the ICC’s actions as a significant milestone in the fight for justice. Yael Vias Gvirsman, a lawyer representing Israeli victims of the October 7 attacks, called the warrants a recognition of the victims’ suffering. Human rights lawyer Reed Brody described the warrants as “unprecedented, justified, and overdue,” emphasizing the importance of holding powerful figures accountable. Human Rights Watch called the warrants a breakthrough in challenging the perception that some individuals are beyond the law.
North American Reactions
In North America, the United States rejected the ICC’s decision, with a White House spokesperson expressing concern over the process leading to the arrest warrants. Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called for adherence to international law but did not take a stance on the ICC’s specific ruling.
European Reactions
The European Union also expressed support for the ICC’s decision. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell stated that the warrants were not political and should be respected by all EU member states. Countries like the Netherlands, Switzerland, Ireland, Italy, and Spain affirmed their commitment to the Rome Statute and international law, while France indicated that it would adhere to ICC statutes but refrained from confirming whether it would act on the warrants.
Britain expressed respect for the ICC’s independence but did not clarify whether it would execute the warrants. Sweden and Norway expressed support for the court’s mandate and fair trial standards, while Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called the arrest warrants a “hopeful” step toward justice for Palestinians.
Middle Eastern Reactions
Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi emphasized that the ICC’s ruling should be respected and that Palestinians deserve justice.
African Reactions
South Africa, a vocal critic of Israel’s actions in Gaza, welcomed the ICC’s decision, calling it an important step toward achieving justice for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Palestine.
