Israeli officials believe that the International Criminal Court is preparing to issue arrest warrants for senior Israeli leaders, including potentially PM Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as leaders from Hamas. The ICC launched an investigation in 2021 into alleged war crimes on both sides in the Palestinian territories, with the investigation covering events since 2014. (The Guardian)
Our Take
The potential charges against Israeli officials and Hamas leaders underscores the ICC’s renewed relevance in recent years. That resurgence began in 2022, when the court opened an investigation into Russia’s actions in Ukraine, and received another boost a year later, when it issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Established in 2002, the ICC exists as the court of last resort to prosecute individuals responsible for war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and the crime of aggression. Charges can be brought either because a state is unable to hold the perpetrators accountable themselves, due to an inadequate judicial system or insufficient resources, or because it is simply unwilling to do so.