Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed strong condemnation towards the charges leveled against Israel by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in an interview with the American network CNN, describing them as not just disgraceful, but even worse.
Netanyahu pointedly criticized the ICC prosecutor for failing to undertake a visit to Israel to personally inspect the evidence. He emphasized Israel’s overarching goal, which is to defeat Hamas, disarm Gaza, and establish a civilian administration in the region. Netanyahu made it clear that Israel would not entertain the idea of ending the conflict until Hamas is decisively defeated. He underscored the pivotal role of military operations alongside the release of hostages, stating that these actions are mutually reinforcing. The ICC prosecutor, Karim Khan, announced intentions to seek arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders, including Netanyahu, citing their involvement in actions during the seven-month conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Khan believes that Netanyahu, along with his defense minister and three Hamas leaders, bear responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in both Gaza and Israel. In response to the ICC prosecutor’s decision, Israeli officials swiftly rebuked it as deplorable and hypocritical, as reported by Israeli media outlets.
Concurrently, a Hamas leader, Sami Abu Zuhri, denounced the ICC’s move, viewing it as equating victims with perpetrators and expressing dissatisfaction with the arrest warrants sought against three leaders of the Palestinian movement.
