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Netanyahu skips Auschwitz liberation event over ICC arrest fears

December 24, 2024 at 2:35 pm

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a press conference in Jerusalem on December 9, 2024 [MAYA ALLERUZZO/POOL/AFP via Getty Images]

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has opted not to attend an event commemorating the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland, citing concerns about potential arrest following recent International Criminal Court (ICC) rulings. The ICC issued arrest warrants last month for Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity in relation to the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

Poland is a signatory to the Rome Statute and has affirmed its commitment to cooperating with the ICC. Netanyahu and Israeli President Isaac Herzog are said to be avoiding the event, with Education Minister Yoav Kisch set to attend in their place.

The ICC warrants allege that Netanyahu and Gallant used starvation as a method of warfare and committed acts of murder and persecution. The court’s decision obligates its 124 member-states, including Poland, to arrest the accused if they enter their territories. This development has led Israeli leaders to avoid travel to Europe, with Netanyahu and Gallant refraining from visiting countries that are ICC members.

The ICC’s recent actions have also heightened fears among soldiers serving in the occupation army about the potential legal consequences abroad. Israel has advised around 30 of its soldiers and officers who have served in Gaza during the genocide to avoid international travel following complaints filed by pro-Palestine groups.

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In some instances, soldiers who travelled to countries such as Cyprus, Slovenia and the Netherlands were recalled promptly over concerns that they could face arrest or questioning. While the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) does not ban international travel, it now conducts risk assessments for soldiers before approving trips abroad. Reservists are being urged to consult with the foreign ministry to assess the legal risks of travelling to specific destinations.

The concerns are compounded by allegations that evidence — such as videos and photographs shared on social media — could be used against soldiers in international courts. Videos show Israeli soldiers engaging in actions that are widely believed to be in contravention of international humanitarian law, including the destruction of civilian properties, posing with deceased individuals, and mocking Palestinian civilians.

An investigation highlighting numerous incidents of Israeli soldiers’ behaviour in Gaza has further fuelled fears of legal action. These include footage of soldiers demolishing buildings, vandalising properties and celebrating the destruction of civilian areas. Some soldiers reportedly shared videos to “boost morale” among Israeli citizens, while others defended their actions as part of military operations.

Senior IDF officials, including Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, are said to be concerned about the ICC’s focus on senior officers. Despite these risks, Israel’s government has pledged to support soldiers fully if they are targeted by legal action abroad.

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