ICC Issues Historic Arrest Warrants for Netanyahu and Former Defense Chief Over War Crimes Allegations, Including Starvation as Warfare

Dec 30, 2024, 09:10 AM

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense chief, marking a historic development in international law. This move challenges the traditional head-of-state immunity and signifies a shift towards holding leaders accountable for alleged war crimes, including starvation as a method of warfare. Although Israel is not a member of the ICC, the court asserts its jurisdiction due to the Palestinian territories being an ICC member. This situation raises concerns about selective justice, as over 90% of ICC indictments have historically targeted African leaders, prompting discussions about the court's legitimacy as an impartial arbiter. The ICC's role as a court of last resort is contingent upon its complementary jurisdiction, which allows it to intervene only when national courts fail to act.