Striking claim from Israeli press: Arrest warrants may be issued for Netanyahu and his aides
Israeli media reported that the National Security Council has evaluated the possibility of international arrest warrants being issued for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Chief of General Staff Herzi Halevi.
AA
A report by Israel's Channel 13 stated that a "secret meeting was held at the National Security Council regarding the possibility of international arrest warrants being issued against senior officials in Israel in the coming days."
"THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF ISSUING ARREST WARRANTS"
The report used the phrase, "According to information obtained by senior officials in Israel, there is a possibility that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague will issue arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant, and Halevi."
It was noted that during the meeting, Israel approved a series of "urgent measures" to be taken in the event that the ICJ issues international arrest warrants, including "launching an international political campaign against the ICJ's decision."
NETANYAHU TO MEET WITH HIS COUNTERPARTS
The report stated that Netanyahu will meet with his counterparts from the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, and Austria to prevent a potential ICJ decision.
In this context, it was noted that Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer and Israel's Ambassador to Washington Mike Herzog will hold contacts with the US Congress and the administration of US President Joe Biden.
"REMINDS OF MEASURES APPLIED TO PUTIN"
The report stated that unnamed senior Israeli officials said that if the ICJ takes such a decision, it "brings to mind the measures applied to Russia and President Vladimir Putin" due to the war in Ukraine.
Israeli officials indicated that they expect international arrest warrants to be issued "against policymakers" rather than lower-level soldiers.
The report noted that the Political and Security Cabinet has decided to meet tomorrow to discuss the potential decision by the ICJ.
A report by Israel's Channel 12 on April 19 had announced that the ICJ was working on issuing international arrest warrants for Netanyahu and senior Israeli officials on the grounds that they committed war crimes in the Gaza Strip.