Israel Challenges ICC Arrest Warrants Amid Jurisdiction Dispute
Israel has requested the International Criminal Court to withdraw arrest warrants against its prime minister and defense minister. The ICC had issued the warrants over alleged Gaza war crimes. Israel is also contesting the court's jurisdiction, delaying the investigation into wartime conduct.
Israel has formally asked judges at the International Criminal Court to revoke arrest warrants issued against its Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister. This move comes as the ICC reviews Israeli challenges concerning its jurisdiction over wartime conduct during the Gaza conflict.
Documents released online highlight Israel's request for the ICC to also suspend its investigation into alleged atrocity crimes in Palestinian Territories, specifically regarding Netanyahu and his former defense chief. The arrest warrants, initially issued on November 21, targeted the Israeli leaders along with Hamas leader Ibrahim al-Masri.
The situation gained complexity after an ICC announcement in February stating that al-Masri's warrant was withdrawn following credible reports of his demise. With active objections from Israel and no clear deadlines, the ICC appellate chamber has mandated a review on jurisdictional grounds, leaving the legal proceedings in an uncertain state.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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