EU nations are obligated to arrest Netanyahu, says the bloc's leading diplomat
European Commission VP Borrell has emphasized the importance of the EU maintaining international law, calling for the arrest of the Israeli PM and his former defense chief. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Last week, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense chief, Yoav Gallant, as well as Hamas commander Ibrahim al-Masri, in connection with alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Josep Borrell, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, asserted that EU member states must comply with the ICC's warrants and arrest Netanyahu if he enters their territory. He emphasized that disregarding these warrants would damage the EU’s credibility.
Although Israel is not a signatory to the Rome Statute that governs the ICC, the court wields jurisdiction over the territories of the West Bank and Gaza, as well as 123 countries worldwide, which includes all EU member states.
Before a meeting with G7 foreign ministers in Fiuggi, Italy, Borrell stated, “all member states of the European Union have signed the Rome convention.” He further stressed that the ICC’s rulings should not be selectively acknowledged: “You cannot applaud when the court goes against [Russian President Vladimir] Putin, and remain silent when the court goes against Netanyahu."
Borrell warned that if EU member states do not uphold the ICC's decision, it would be viewed as a demonstration of double standards, thereby reinforcing the arguments of the bloc's critics.
Earlier, Borrell also stated his “right to criticize the decisions of the Israeli government, be it Mr. Netanyahu or someone else, without being accused of anti-Semitism.”
On Friday, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock mentioned that Berlin is considering the implications of the court’s decisions. However, spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit indicated that compliance is unlikely, citing Germany’s “historical responsibility” to Israel.
French Foreign Ministry spokesman Christophe Lemoine avoided giving a clear response, labeling the ICC’s warrants as a “complex legal issue.”
Countries such as the Netherlands, Switzerland, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Belgium, and Norway have confirmed their intention to honor their obligations under the Rome Statute.
In contrast, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban condemned the ICC's ruling and extended an invitation for Netanyahu to visit.
The ICC's decision has faced strong backlash from both Israel and its primary ally, the United States.
Emily Johnson contributed to this report for TROIB News
Josep Borrell, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, asserted that EU member states must comply with the ICC's warrants and arrest Netanyahu if he enters their territory. He emphasized that disregarding these warrants would damage the EU’s credibility.
Although Israel is not a signatory to the Rome Statute that governs the ICC, the court wields jurisdiction over the territories of the West Bank and Gaza, as well as 123 countries worldwide, which includes all EU member states.
Before a meeting with G7 foreign ministers in Fiuggi, Italy, Borrell stated, “all member states of the European Union have signed the Rome convention.” He further stressed that the ICC’s rulings should not be selectively acknowledged: “You cannot applaud when the court goes against [Russian President Vladimir] Putin, and remain silent when the court goes against Netanyahu."
Borrell warned that if EU member states do not uphold the ICC's decision, it would be viewed as a demonstration of double standards, thereby reinforcing the arguments of the bloc's critics.
Earlier, Borrell also stated his “right to criticize the decisions of the Israeli government, be it Mr. Netanyahu or someone else, without being accused of anti-Semitism.”
On Friday, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock mentioned that Berlin is considering the implications of the court’s decisions. However, spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit indicated that compliance is unlikely, citing Germany’s “historical responsibility” to Israel.
French Foreign Ministry spokesman Christophe Lemoine avoided giving a clear response, labeling the ICC’s warrants as a “complex legal issue.”
Countries such as the Netherlands, Switzerland, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Belgium, and Norway have confirmed their intention to honor their obligations under the Rome Statute.
In contrast, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban condemned the ICC's ruling and extended an invitation for Netanyahu to visit.
The ICC's decision has faced strong backlash from both Israel and its primary ally, the United States.
Emily Johnson contributed to this report for TROIB News
