ICC arrest warrants against Netanyahu, Gallant ‘correct’: Knesset member

JERUSALEM

An International Criminal Court (ICC) application for arrest warrants against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant was “correct,” a member of the Knesset (Israel’s parliament) said on Monday.

“The ICC decision was expected and correct,” Ofer Cassif, a member of the Democratic Front for Peace and Equality, known as Hadash, said on X.

“It is reasonable to believe that Netanyahu and Gallant bear criminal responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza,” he said.

“No one should be above international law or the rules of global justice and morality,” the Knesset member stressed.

ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan said Monday he has reasonable ground to believe that Netanyahu and Gallant bear criminal responsibility for "war crimes and crimes against humanity” committed on Palestinian territories, specifically in the Gaza Strip, from at least Oct. 8.

The prosecutor added that they have also applied for arrest warrants for three Hamas leaders, Ismail Haniyeh, Yahya Sinwar, and Mohammed Deif, for "war crimes and crimes against humanity" committed in Israel and the Gaza Strip "from at least 7 October 2023."

In February, the Knesset sought but failed to sack Cassif for supporting South Africa’s genocide lawsuit against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Israel continued its brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire in the enclave.

More than 35,500 Palestinians have since been killed, the vast majority of whom have been women and children, and over 79,600 others injured since last October following a Hamas attack.

More than seven months into the Israeli war, vast swathes of Gaza lay in ruins amid a crippling blockade of food, clean water, and medicine.

Israel stands accused of “genocide” at the International Court of Justice, which has ordered Tel Aviv to ensure its forces do not commit acts of genocide and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar in Ankara