Italy, Poland reject ICC arrest warrants for Netanyahu
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In November 2024, leader of Italy's far-right League Party Matteo Salvini declared that Netanyahu would be warmly welcomed in Italy, despite the war crimes charges leveled against him.
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Demonstrators walk with "Israel's" flag next to a banner showing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a protest against plans by his leadership to overhaul the judicial system in Tel Aviv, occupied Palestine, Saturday, March 25, 2023 (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
Italy and Poland have assured "Israel" that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not face arrest under the International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant should he visit their countries.
During a meeting in Rome, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar sought confirmation of Italy's stance. According to Israeli reports, Italian officials stated that under the Vienna Convention, visiting heads of state, including Netanyahu, are granted immunity, meaning any ICC warrant would not be enforced during an official visit.
Similarly, Poland has communicated that Netanyahu would not face arrest should he attend the upcoming 80th-anniversary commemoration of Auschwitz's liberation later this month. While Netanyahu's attendance at the event has not been officially confirmed, the Polish government has reportedly affirmed its position on granting immunity to high-ranking foreign officials.
Justice Undermined
These developments reflect ongoing challenges to the ICC's authority.
Earlier today, ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan urged judges to dismiss "Israel's" objections to the Gaza investigation, arguing that the court’s jurisdiction extends to crimes committed in member states like Palestine.
"Israel", in a December appeal, claimed it should handle the allegations internally, citing sovereignty concerns.
However, Khan countered that the Rome Statute empowers the ICC to prosecute crimes in member territories, regardless of the accused's nationality.
A decision on the jurisdictional dispute is expected in the coming months.
Read more: ICC needs to be protected from US sanctions, EU plays vital role: HRW
Salvini Dismisses ICC Charges
In November 2024, leader of Italy's far-right League Party Matteo Salvini declared that Netanyahu would be warmly welcomed in Italy, despite the war crimes charges leveled against him.
"I plan to meet with members of the Israeli government soon, and if Netanyahu came to Italy, he would be welcome. The war criminals are others," Salvini stated, dismissing the ICC's decision. He criticized the label of "war criminal" as "disrespectful" for "the prime minister of one of the few democracies in the Middle East."
