Int’l fugitive Netanyahu to receive Polish immunity despite war crimes charges

International fugitive and alleged war crimes suspect, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is to be granted immunity by Poland, despite facing arrest warrants from the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity in Gaza.

The Polish government has adopted a resolution ensuring Netanyahu and senior Israeli officials can freely travel to Poland for the 80th anniversary of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp liberation, effectively shielding them from potential arrest.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed yesterday that “whether it is the prime minister, the president or the minister of Israel, whoever will come to Oswiecim for the celebrations in Auschwitz will be assured of safety and will not be detained.”

READ: Netanyahu skips Auschwitz liberation event over ICC arrest fears

The ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant in November 2024, charging them with war crimes and crimes against humanity for their roles in Israel’s genocide in Gaza, which has killed over 46,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children.

As a signatory to the ICC, Poland is legally obligated to arrest suspects wanted by the court if they enter Polish territory. However, the resolution, published by Tusk’s office, cited the commemoration’s exceptional nature.

The move comes amid a controversial decision in the US to pass legislation sanctioning ICC officials and staff members who pursue investigations into Israeli leaders.

Polish President Andrzej Duda had written to Tusk requesting that Netanyahu be allowed to attend “unhindered,” though the Israeli embassy has indicated that the country will be represented by its education minister. Netanyahu, who has previously attended anniversary events at Auschwitz, has not confirmed whether he will participate in this year’s commemoration.

Over 1.1 million people, predominantly Jews, perished at Auschwitz during World War II through gas chambers, starvation, cold, and disease under Nazi Germany’s illegal occupation of Poland.

Nazi Germany’s treatment of Poland and its illegal expansionism played a major role in the prohibition of conquest and annexation of territory. The UN Charter, signed in 1945, is the cornerstone of modern international law banning annexation.