Over 120 countries that are part of the International Criminal Court (ICC) are now legally required to enforce arrest warrants. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant have been issued arrest warrants by the ICC for alleged war crimes in Gaza, making them fugitives from justice.
Although Israel does not recognize the ICC’s authority and both Netanyahu and Gallant are unlikely to surrender, their options for travel are now severely limited. The Rome Statute, which established the ICC, includes 124 state parties spanning six continents. Countries that are signatories to this treaty are legally obligated to uphold its mandates, including executing arrest warrants for individuals wanted by the court.
International human rights lawyer Jonathan Kuttab explained that the law operates on the assumption that countries will comply. “The law is based on the presumption that people will obey it. That’s how all laws are created,” Kuttab said. “When countries choose not to follow the law, they are in violation themselves.”
Early indications suggest that many countries will not disregard the ICC’s decision. Several of Israel’s allies, including members of the European Union, have pledged to enforce the arrest warrants, signaling strong international support for the court’s ruling.
Leave feedback about this