(Washington, D.C., November 21, 2024) — In response to the decision by the Pre-Trial Chamber of the International Criminal Court to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed in the Gaza Strip since October 8, 2023, including "the war crime of starvation as a method of warfare; and the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts," as well as, "the war crime of intentionally directing an attack against the civilian population," DAWN issues the following statement:
"Every member state of the International Criminal Court – and even its erstwhile champions like the U.S. – have a duty to swiftly arrest Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Gallant at the first opportunity they get," said Sarah Leah Whitson, DAWN's executive director. "The ICC arrest warrants against these Israeli officials are a milestone for justice and accountability, and just about the only thing that stands a chance of saving international law at a moment of U.S.-backed genocidal Israeli impunity."
"By continuing to provide military assistance to Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, despite credible accusations of war crimes by the ICC, U.S. leaders – including President Biden, Secretary Blinken, and Secretary Austin – are exposing themselves to personal liability under international law," said Raed Jarrar, DAWN's advocacy director. "Article 25(3)(c) of the Rome Statute outlines clear criminal liability for aiding and abetting war crimes, which applies to individuals in non-member states like the U.S. when their actions enable violations under ICC jurisdiction."
"The ICC warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant come less than 12 hours after the Senate voted to continue supplying Israel with the arms to continue committing the same grave crimes with which they have been charged," said Michael Schaeffer Omer-Man, director of research for Israel-Palestine at DAWN. "In light of the threats already made by president-elect Trump and existing U.S. legislation known as the 'Hague Invasion Act,' the European Union and other major democratic powers should immediately put in place measures to protect the safety and integrity of the International Criminal Court and its staff."
"Netanyahu and Gallant should not just fear but know that they will be arrested in any ICC member state, a list that includes the vast majority of Israel's economic and military partners and allies," said Whitson. "What should follow are indictments and arrest warrants for U.S. officials who have aided and abetted Israeli war crimes."
