How the court’s move to seek an arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu will hurt – and possibly help – him
On Monday, 20 May, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan, made a groundbreaking announcement: he was seeking arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, alongside other high-ranking officials from both sides, for war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This move marks a significant milestone in international law, but the implications are complex, both for the individuals involved and for the broader geopolitical situation.
Neve Gordon, an Israeli scholar and professor of human rights law at Queen Mary University of London, discussed the potential impacts of the ICC’s decision. While the announcement has drawn significant international attention, its consequences are multifaceted. For Netanyahu, the ICC’s request could significantly damage his international standing and affect his domestic political support. Accusations of war crimes, particularly in the context of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, could alienate key international allies and escalate tensions with the United States, a close ally of Israel.
At the same time, the decision may offer Netanyahu a unique opportunity to rally domestic support. In Israel, the move could be perceived as politically motivated and a challenge to the country’s sovereignty. Netanyahu and his supporters may argue that the ICC’s actions are part of a broader campaign to delegitimize Israel and interfere in its internal affairs. This framing could galvanize nationalist sentiments and strengthen Netanyahu’s position domestically, particularly among hardline supporters of his policies.
Internationally, however, the arrest warrants could contribute to a shift in the diplomatic dynamics surrounding the Gaza conflict. While the warrants may not result in immediate arrests, they highlight the growing scrutiny of Israel’s military conduct. In response, Israel’s allies, including the United States, may face increasing pressure to address the accusations of war crimes and to push for accountability in the ongoing conflict.
The ICC’s move is not only a legal action but a political statement that underscores the court’s growing influence in global conflicts. For Netanyahu, the consequences of this decision are likely to be both a liability and a potential source of political capital, depending on how he navigates the complex terrain of international law and domestic politics. The impact on Israel’s role in the international community and the future of its relations with key powers will unfold in the coming months.
