Activists slam EU: Why was ICC-wanted Netanyahu given passage to US?
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ICC-indicted Benjamin Netanyahu's US visit sparks criticism from UN experts Craig Mokhiber and Francesca Albanese, who accuse Italy, France, and Greece of violating international law by providing airspace for his trip.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a press conference in occupied al-Quds, on May 21, 2025. (AP)
Sharp criticism emerged on Tuesday after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, indicted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity, arrived in Washington for meetings, including with US President Donald Trump.
Human rights advocate and former UN official Craig Mokhiber condemned the visit on X, describing Netanyahu as an "ICC fugitive" and labeling Trump his "co-perpetrator."
"ICC fugitive Benjamin Netanyahu, indicted for crimes against humanity, is now in Washington meeting with his co-perpetrator, Donald Trump," Mokhiber wrote, further accusing Rome Statute signatory states in Europe of breaching international obligations by allowing Netanyahu’s aircraft safe passage through their airspace.
"Rome Statute parties in Europe that have provided the fugitive safe passage through their airspace have breached their legal obligations under the treaty, have declared their disdain for the victims of genocide, and have demonstrated their contempt for the rule of law."
Albanese calls out Italy, France, and Greece
Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, echoed Mokhiber’s concerns. She directly called on Italy, France, and Greece to explain their decision to permit Netanyahu’s transit.
In a strongly worded post on X, Albanese said, "The governments of Italy, France, and Greece must explain why they provided airspace and safe passage to ICC-wanted Benjamin Netanyahu, whom they are obligated to arrest," warning that such actions undermine the international legal system and put citizens at risk.
"Italian, French, and Greek citizens deserve to know that every political action violating the international legal order weakens and endangers all of them. And all of us."
The governments of Italy, France, and Greece must explain why they provided airspace and safe passage to ICC-wanted Benjamin Netanyahu, whom they are obligated to arrest. Italian, French and Greek citizens deserve to know that every political action violating the int'l legal… https://t.co/gfcAZQOOFi
— Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur oPt (@FranceskAlbs) July 9, 2025
Netanyahu’s visit comes amid growing international calls for accountability over "Israel's" conduct in Gaza. The ICC issued arrest warrants on November 21 for Netanyahu and Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to the ongoing war on Gaza.
"Israel", which does not recognize the ICC’s jurisdiction and has consistently rejected accusations of war crimes in Gaza, is contesting the legal validity of the warrants issued against its top officials. Meanwhile, the United States has sanctioned the top court, while member states, including France and Hungary, did not abide by their requirements to the ICC.
