Netanyahu's ICC Warrant Leads to Domestic Support Amid War Crimes Accusations

The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants on Monday for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, as well as three Hamas leaders. The warrants are based on alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Israel and the so-called "State of Palestine." However, there is no recognized "State of Palestine" and its boundaries are still subject to negotiation. Israel and the United States are not part of the ICC and argue that the court has no jurisdiction over them. The U.S. has been relatively quiet about the warrants, despite revoking an executive order by former President Trump that sanctioned the ICC for investigating alleged violations of international law. The ICC's move has sparked controversy, with Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid criticizing the arrest warrants as a "disaster." The warrants have raised concerns about the comparison between Israeli leaders and Hamas officials. The situation has also divided opinions within Israel, with some viewing the warrants as targeting the country's defense. The ICC prosecutor, Karim Khan, sought advice from international lawyers before seeking the arrest warrants. A panel of judges will now review the evidence and decide whether to issue the warrants. If issued, Netanyahu and Gallant may face travel restrictions and challenges in conducting international affairs. The warrants have the potential to impact Israel's relationships with its allies and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Netanyahu's response to the warrants and their implications remain uncertain.