November 22, 2024
In theory, Netanyahu and Gallant cannot now walk in Europe without fear of arrest. But Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, once at odds with the European Union, offered Netanyahu a safe passage.
The government’s reaction to the International Criminal Court’s decision to issue another arrest warrant has highlighted how divided Europe is on Israel.
On Thursday, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former defense minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas commander Mohammed Deif.
Ireland’s Taoiseach Simon Harris called it a “very important step”.
While he was careful to remain diplomatic, he clearly condemned Israel’s wars in Gaza and Lebanon.
“The (Irish) government has long expressed its deep concern about the conduct of the war in Gaza and has made clear its belief that the rules of international law and international humanitarian law have not been upheld,” he said in a statement.
On the other side of the European spectrum is the Czech Republic, one of Israel’s biggest supporters – Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský is clearly following the warrant.
“Putting terrorists and people who defend their country against them on the same level does not suit me. It also undermines the credibility of the court,” he wrote on social media.
The ICC accused Israel’s leaders of committing crimes against humanity and causing starvation.
The UN said the conflict had caused “horrendous human suffering”. It is estimated that more than 45,000 people have been killed since the October 7 attacks on Israel, including about 43,000 Palestinians and at least 1,200 Israelis.
The commander of Hamas, Mohammed Deif, is accused of war crimes, including murder, torture and rape. According to the Israel Defense Forces, he is dead.
Germany, walking on eggshells, has tried to find a middle path, claiming today to be “one of the biggest supporters of the ICC” and at the same time reaching out to Israel.
“A consequence of Germany’s history is that we have a unique relationship and a great responsibility with Israel,” said Chancellor Scholz’s spokesman, Steffen Hebestreit, in reference to World War II and the Holocaust.
The European Union’s foreign affairs chief said that all EU member states must abide by the ICC ruling.
“This is not a political decision, said Josep Borrell, holding his hand, “it is a judicial decision, a judicial decision.
“This decision is binding on all countries. All parties to the court, which include all members of the European Union, must implement this court decision.
In theory, Netanyahu and Gallant cannot now walk in Europe without fear of arrest.
But Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, once at odds with the European Union, offered Netanyahu a safe passage.
“The ICC arrest warrant against Prime Minister Netanyahu is disgraceful, cynical and unacceptable. I (have) invited Prime Minister Netanyahu for an official visit to Hungary, where we will guarantee freedom and security.
Human rights lawyer and former UN war crimes judge, Geoffrey Robertson KC, told Channel 4 News that any ICC member would be expelled if they hid Netanyahu or Gallant.
The court has no power to try in absentia. “They should put him in the dock … Netanyahu may be far away,” he said.
This is the second time this week that European countries have publicly argued about Israel. On Monday, Borrell pressed foreign ministers to discuss whether Israel’s actions could be considered a violation of human rights clauses in the EU’s trade agreement with Israel.
For months, Spain and Ireland have been pushing the EU to use the terms of the trade agreement to hold Israel back.
But putting it on the agenda of the meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels caused a lot of anger.
One diplomat said the plan was “unprepared” and that steps were taken to “make a statement” in Borrell’s final days. He resigned at the end of this month.
The EU is Israel’s largest trading partner, a relationship worth billions. But the European Union needs the support of its member states to suspend all aspects of the agreement.
Persistent divisions have marred the European Union’s response to Israel’s wars in Gaza and Lebanon.
EU leaders have repeatedly called on Israel, while it has the right to defend itself, to respect international humanitarian law.
