Netanyahu to Skip 80th Anniversary of Auschwitz Liberation in Poland on January 27 Over ICC Arrest Fears

Dec 20, 2024, 10:49 AM

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not attend the ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz in Poland, due to fears of arrest stemming from an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant. The warrant, issued last month, obliges 124 ICC member states to arrest and extradite Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Gallant if they enter their territories. Poland's Deputy Foreign Minister stated that his country is committed to respecting the ICC's decisions. The ceremony, scheduled for January 27, is expected to be attended by dozens of world leaders, including King Charles of Britain. Israeli authorities have not contacted Polish officials regarding Netanyahu's attendance, anticipating Poland's stance on the ICC warrant. President Isaac Herzog is also expected to be absent from the event.