Netanyahu cancels Vatican visit over fears of ICC arrest
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Netanyahu drops plans to attend Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration amid fears of ICC arrest, as Italy and Vatican fail to assure non-enforcement of warrant.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the annual ceremony at the Yad LaBanim Memorial in occupied al-Quds on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 (AP)
Israeli occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly canceled plans to attend the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican due to concerns over a possible arrest linked to a pending warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC), according to Israeli media outlet Ynet.
The decision followed behind-the-scenes inquiries made by the occupation government with both Italian and Vatican officials to assess whether Netanyahu could enter the country without facing detention. However, responses from both parties were reportedly ambiguous, and it remained unclear whether they would comply with the ICC's warrant should Netanyahu set foot on their soil.
Netanyahu tries to save face
Faced with uncertainty regarding legal immunity, the Prime Minister's Office ultimately opted to cancel the visit to avoid potential arrest or diplomatic embarrassment.
The ICC arrest warrant, though not confirmed publicly by the court, is presumed to relate to war crimes committed by the Israeli occupation in Gaza and other Palestinian territories.
This marks yet another setback for Netanyahu on the international stage, as legal challenges continue to mount amid growing global outrage over the ongoing war on Gaza and calls for accountability from international bodies.
Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration is expected to draw world leaders and dignitaries from across the globe. Netanyahu’s absence, under such circumstances, underscores the diplomatic isolation increasingly faced by the Israeli regime in the wake of its actions in occupied Palestine.
'Israel' demands annulment of warrants
"Israel" has formally requested that the ICC withdraw arrest warrants against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Security Minister Yoav Gallant, as the court reviews "Israel's" objections to its jurisdiction over war crimes in the Gaza Strip.
Documents dated May 9 and signed by Deputy Attorney General Gilad Noam were published on the ICC’s website late Sunday.
They reveal that "Israel" is also requesting that the prosecution suspend its investigation into atrocity crimes committed in the occupied Palestinian territories.
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 now contesting the legal validity of the warrants issued against its top officials.
