Who would arrest Netanyahu? ICC warrant divides the world

The arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu forced a reckoning Friday for the U.S. ally’s status 14 months after it launched its war.

The arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu forced a reckoning Friday for the U.S. ally’s global status more than a year after it launched its devastating war in Gaza.

The warrants — also issued for former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif — drew a diplomatic dividing line between countries who vowed to back the International Criminal Court and those who pledged to defy it.

While he faces accusations of war crimes and crimes against humanity for leading his country’s assault on the Palestinian enclave, Netanyahu is unlikely to be in handcuffs any time soon — as long as he avoids trips to Ireland, Italy and the Netherlands, who all made clear they would arrest him if he visits.

Hungary, in contrast, promised not to arrest the Israeli leader. Its strongman leader Viktor Orbán sent a letter condemning the decision and inviting Netanyahu for an official visit on which he promised to “ensure your safety and freedom.”

The Israeli leader praised Hungary, who he said had “like our friends in the U.S.,” shown “moral clarity and steadfastness on the side of justice and the truth.” He contrasted this to what he called the “shameful weakness of those who have lined up alongside the outrageous decision.”

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/arrest-netanyahu-icc-warrant-divides-world-israel-gaza-rcna181320

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