UK Hints at Possible Arrest of Netanyahu on ICC Warrant as Hungary Extends Invitation
The United Kingdom has signaled that it could comply with an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant for the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits the country. This development comes as Ireland confirmed it would arrest the Israeli leader under similar circumstances. Meanwhile, Hungary has openly rejected the ICC’s decision, instead inviting Netanyahu for an official visit, marking a stark divergence in international reactions to the warrants issued by the Hague-based tribunal.
The ICC’s arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant were announced on Thursday, accusing the two of war crimes in Gaza, including targeting civilians and using starvation as a weapon of war. The decision has sparked global controversy, with strong condemnations from Israel, the United States, and some European countries, while others have pledged compliance with the court’s directives.
UK and Ireland Signal Compliance
On Friday, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office stated that Britain adheres to its obligations under domestic and international law, leaving open the possibility of arresting Netanyahu if he enters the country. While the prime minister’s spokesperson declined to comment on specific cases, the statement underscored the UK’s commitment to its legal responsibilities.
Ireland took an unequivocal stance, with Prime Minister Simon Harris affirming that his country would enforce the ICC warrant. Speaking to Ireland’s RTE broadcaster, Harris stated, “Yes, absolutely,” when asked if Netanyahu would be detained if he arrived in Ireland. He emphasized Ireland’s support for international courts, highlighting the country’s history of enforcing their mandates.
Relations between Ireland and Israel have been strained since Dublin’s recognition of a Palestinian state in May, which led to Israel recalling its ambassador. Irish Foreign Minister Micheal Martin rejected U.S. President Joe Biden’s criticism of the ICC warrants as “outrageous,” asserting that war crimes had indeed been committed in Gaza, describing the situation as “collective punishment” and “genocidal.”
Hungary Stands with Israel
In contrast, Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban has denounced the ICC’s move, inviting Netanyahu to Budapest in an official letter that guarantees the Israeli leader’s safety. Orban’s letter described the court’s decision as “disgraceful” and affirmed that it would have no impact on Hungary’s relations with Israel. Hungary, an ICC member, has been vocal in its support for Israel, aligning with the United States in rejecting the charges against Netanyahu and Gallant.
Netanyahu expressed gratitude for Hungary’s stance, praising the country for its “moral clarity” and its defense of Israel’s right to self-defense. Orban’s invitation is seen as a gesture of solidarity amid growing international scrutiny of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
International Reactions
The warrants have sharply divided opinion among the 124 ICC member states. Countries like Canada, Belgium, Spain, Austria, and Finland have indicated they would comply with the warrants. Conversely, nations including Hungary, Czechia, and Argentina have stated they would ignore them.
Germany and France, while acknowledging the ICC’s decision, have avoided explicitly confirming whether they would enforce the warrants. A German government spokesperson noted that Berlin would evaluate the warrants carefully but would only act if Netanyahu planned a visit. “Germany’s support for the ICC stems from its history, but so does our special responsibility to Israel,” the spokesperson added.
France, in a similarly cautious statement, reiterated its commitment to international justice while refraining from clarifying its stance on arresting Netanyahu or Gallant.
U.S. Condemnation and Plans for ICC Sanctions
The United States, a non-member of the ICC, has strongly condemned the warrants. President Biden called the court’s actions “outrageous,” and the incoming Trump administration is reportedly planning punitive measures against the ICC. According to sources in Washington, the Trump transition team is considering personal sanctions against ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan and the judges involved in issuing the warrants.
Mike Waltz, Trump’s nominee for national security adviser, hinted at a forceful response, tweeting about addressing the ICC’s perceived “antisemitic bias” and actions against Israel.
Context of the Conflict
The ICC warrants come amid ongoing violence in Gaza, triggered by Hamas’s October 7 cross-border attack on Israel. The attack, described as one of the deadliest in Israel’s history, killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in the kidnapping of 251 hostages. Israel has responded with a large-scale military campaign in Gaza, which has claimed over 44,000 lives according to the Hamas health ministry. Israel disputes these figures, asserting that 17,000 combatants have been killed and blaming Hamas for civilian casualties due to its use of human shields.
As international debate intensifies, the ICC’s decision has underscored deep divisions over accountability, sovereignty, and the role of international justice in conflict zones. The developments also highlight the complexities of navigating global diplomacy, where legal obligations often collide with political alliances and historical relationships.
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