Netanyahu Takes Drastic Measures to Evade ICC Arrest

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly altered his flight plans to avoid a potential arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

According to Great Game India, citing reports from the Times of Israel (ToI) and the Kan public broadcaster, Netanyahu is scheduled to fly to the U.S. to address Congress on July 24. Rather than making a stopover at a midpoint location, he has chosen a direct flight to steer clear of any legal complications.

"Netanyahu considered, then decided against, visiting the Czech Republic and Hungary on the way to the U.S. when he travels to address Congress on July 24 … amid fears the ICC was readying an arrest warrant against him," the ToI reported.

"When the prime minister's aircraft – known as the 'Wing of Zion' – is fully loaded with passengers, it must stop en route to North America. Netanyahu, meanwhile, has reportedly chosen to travel light to complete the transatlantic flight in a single trip. This will spare the European nation that is hosting the layover from having to refuel, which could have been politically unpleasant," Great Game India added.

The ICC's issuance of arrest warrants against Netanyahu and others not only affects the Israeli leader's travel but also underscores the political and diplomatic challenges faced by countries involved in ICC proceedings. The warrants, while largely symbolic, present a political dilemma and can strain international relations.

The ICC, based in The Hague, Netherlands, relies on signatory nations of the Rome Statute to enforce its decisions, despite lacking an enforcement mechanism. Both Prague and Budapest are signatories to the Rome Statute, whereas Tel Aviv is not.

ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan issued the arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in May. The warrants accused them of "causing extermination, causing starvation as a method of war including the denial of humanitarian relief supplies, deliberately targeting civilians in conflict." Similar warrants were also issued for Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif, and Ismail Haniyeh.

"Israel, like all states, has a right to take action to defend its population. That right, however, does not absolve Israel or any state of its obligation to comply with international humanitarian law," the ICC prosecutor stated.

Great Game India noted that Khan's decision sparked divisions within the ICC and drew criticism from both Israel and the U.S., with some U.S. Congress members warning against the ICC's actions. Nonetheless, the tribunal stood firm against attempts to intimidate it.