On May 9, 2025, Israel filed an international Criminal Court (ICC) petition in an effort to withdraw arrest warrants issued against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during Israeli military operations in Gaza, such as starvation as a method of warfare or targeting of civilian infrastructure. These warrants had been issued in November 2024. For more information about these events please read The Guardian (6), Reuters (6+), Wikipedia (7+) or Al Jazeera. Gilad Noam’s request, issued under Israel’s jurisdictional challenge against the International Criminal Court (ICC), emphasizes its absence as an agreement party of Rome Statute that created it and claims that Israel’s national court system can address allegations of misconduct among its officials. (Wikipedia +2, Reuters and AP News). In April 2025, the International Criminal Court’s Appeals Chamber ordered a review of Israel’s jurisdictional challenge, acknowledging that its Pre-Trial Chamber had not adequately taken into account Israel’s arguments. As a result of this order, proceedings related to arrest warrants temporarily stopped being administered by the court. Reuters +2 and AP News both reported this news item. +2 The International Criminal Court’s activities have produced varied international responses. While some nations, including the US, have denounced its ruling, viewing it as undermining Israel’s right to self-defense, others have shown their support for accountability through Le Monde.fr +2, ANZ Silperspective +2 and Default (+2). New York Post Complicating matters further are allegations leveled against International Criminal Court Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan, who stands accused of sexual misconduct. Khan has denied these claims as politically-driven attempts to discredit its work; according to The Times of Israel. WSJ and The Times both concur. As the International Criminal Court considers Israel’s request, opinion remains divided as to its role and jurisdiction; underscoring the difficulties involved with upholding international law in conflicts involving non-member states.
