Member states do not share the same analysis after the request of the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court to issue arrest warrants against the Israeli Prime Minister and the Israeli Minister of Defense.
The request for arrest warrants made by the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan, against Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahuand its Defense MinisterYoav Gallant, divides the European Union.
For certain member countries, the problem is that the ICC places on an equal footing officials from a democratic country and Hamas, considered a terrorist organization by the 27, and whose three leaders are also targeted by warrants. ‘stop.
Germany and Austria are therefore cautious.
“It is very strange that the Prime Minister of a democratic state is mentioned here in the same breath as the Hamas terrorists who actually caused a massacre unprecedented in history“, underlines Karoline Edtstadler, Austrian Minister in charge of European Affairs.
“It remains to be seen how the International Criminal Court will react to the prosecutor’s request.“
Other capitals, including Paris, Brussels and Dublin, are calling for respect forindependence of the International Criminal Court. These countries want the Court to continue its investigation.
“It is clear that the prosecutor made his decision, after having done considerable work. It is very important, from my point of view and from the Irish point of view, that we allow the courts to do whatever work they wish to do at this stage“, explains Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Irish Secretary of State for European Affairs.
ICC prosecutor requests arrest warrants for three Hamas leaders for war crimes, crimes against humanity, hostage-taking and rape during the October 7 attack. Among the charges against the Jewish state, Karim Khan mentions war crimes and crimes against humanity such as extermination, famine, refusal to provide humanitarian aid, and deliberate targeting of civilians in a conflict.
” It is about applying the law and finding those responsible for the crimes committed. And you know, whether people are democratically elected or not, whether they react to a terrorist attack or not, these are not considerations that would excuse serious violations of these international laws“, specifies Anthony Dworkin, analyst at the European Council on Foreign Relations
“It is simply a matter of ensuring respect for the rule of law.“
The United States supports Israel and cites a scandalous decision by the International Criminal Court. The ICC prosecutor claims to have various evidence exceeding the threshold required for the arrest warrants requested.