ICC Decision Erodes Global Image of Israeli Regime, Its Leaders: Expert

IQNA – Arrest warrants for Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former minister of military affairs Yoav Gallant have dealt a significant blow to their global image, an expert stresses.

Ali Bigdeli, a retired professor at Shahid Beheshti University and an international affairs expert, discussed the implications of the International Criminal Court's (ICC) recent arrest warrant for Netanyahu and Gallant over their war crimes in Gaza.

“This is not merely a symbolic ruling,” Bigdeli said in an interview with IQNA, emphasizing its significance given statements from figures like Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign policy chief, and Canada’s Prime Minister, who underscored the importance of respecting the court’s decision. 

“The ruling has dealt a significant blow to the reputation and credibility of Netanyahu and Gallant, something they likely did not anticipate. This is why the U.S. Congress and the White House issued such strong reactions,” he added.

Despite the ruling, compliance is not guaranteed. “Countries are not legally bound to enforce ICC rulings,” Bigdeli explained.

He cited Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, who continues to travel internationally despite an ICC indictment for alleged genocide. "The enforceability of such rulings depends on the host country's willingness to act. For instance, Netanyahu can still visit countries that ensure his security." 

The expert noted that many European nations have not fully embraced the ruling, although France has expressed its intention to comply, he said, adding that Netanyahu rarely travels abroad, except for strategic trips like those to the United States, where this ruling is unlikely to impact his movements.

Bigdeli also addressed speculation about the Israeli regime’s potential expulsion from the United Nations. “Such a move would require a majority vote in the General Assembly, which is not achievable solely through proposals from a few member states. This ruling alone cannot initiate expulsion.” 

The ICC judges said on Thursday that there were “reasonable grounds” to believe Netanyahu and Gallant “intentionally and knowingly deprived the civilian population in Gaza of objects indispensable to their survival.”

The court also said the men bore “criminal responsibility” for war crimes and crimes against humanity during the bloody onslaught on Gaza.

The Israeli war on the Gaza Strip, which began in October last year, has killed more than 44,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured many more.

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