ALBAWABA - The ICC's arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes in Gaza have raised broader worries in Israel. Judicial and military experts are examining the impact, including concerns about Israeli military officers being prosecuted.
In its ruling, the ICC accused Netanyahu and Gallant of war crimes such hunger, medical neglect, and mass murder. It also identifies a military commander and soldier network that committed these acts. Many have boasted on social media about their Gaza actions, rendering them open to foreign legal action.
Anti-war Israeli activists have apparently collected passport and travel data on these individuals. The data is stored online to aid arrests. Belgium and Cyprus have attempted attacks, including a high-profile Israeli commander targeted while honeymooning. Israeli intelligence withdrew the officer, who said "We will burn Gaza to the ground," before an arrest warrant was issued.
Netanyahu's political future is threatened by the verdict. He may still have US support, but his foreign engagement may be limited. Questions arose regarding which leaders would meet with Trump and how diplomatic relations would change.
While the ICC ruling has flaws, legal scholar Fawn Alterman told i24 News that reversing it would require Netanyahu's voluntary surrender, which is unlikely Alterman stated that Israel may need to adjust to a “shunned leader” or leadership without Netanyahu.
The ICC verdict may start Netanyahu's political fall and raise worries of military prosecutions, analysts say.
