'Israel' advises IOF soldiers on travel risks amid ICC arrest warrants

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Israeli Media
4 Dec 2024 14:36
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Israeli occupation military establishment warns personnel involved in the Gaza genocide against international travel, fearing arrest after ICC warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

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Israeli soldiers pose for a photo at the edge of the besieged Gaza Strip, Palestine, on Feb. 19, 2024. (AP)

Israeli media reported, on Wednesday, that the Israeli occupation's military institution estimates that the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague issuing arrest warrants against Israeli occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Security Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip could lead to further international arrest warrants and criminal actions worldwide against Israeli senior officers, regular soldiers, and reservists who engaged in the war.

According to Yedioth Ahronoth, the Israeli occupation forces have recently identified around 30 cases where legal actions, including criminal procedures, have been taken against officers and soldiers involved in the war on Gaza who planned to travel abroad. The military has warned them to avoid traveling, fearing arrest or investigation in the countries they planned to visit.

The Israeli military has also instructed some of its officers and soldiers currently abroad to leave immediately to avoid facing legal action. At least eight soldiers are in Cyprus, Slovenia, and the Netherlands, according to the report.

'Risk assessment' not mandatory stay

The Israeli occupation's military has implemented a "risk assessment" system. While it does not outright prevent its soldiers and officers from traveling, it evaluates the risk for any soldier who applies to leave the country, particularly those involved in the aggression on Gaza.

The policy has gained attention due to growing international support for the ICC's decision to issue arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant.

The military has also advised its soldiers and officers who participated in the genocide of Gaza to refrain from posting photos and videos of themselves during their time in the Strip to prevent such materials from being used as evidence in war crimes investigations.

Earlier, Israeli media reported concerns that the ICC’s decision regarding Netanyahu and Gallant could lead to arrest warrants being issued for other military officers and leaders.

The ICC had previously issued two arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant for war crimes in Gaza. Israeli officials have condemned the ICC’s decision, calling it "an unprecedented disgrace."