THE HAGUE — On Thursday, the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced the issuance of arrest warrants targeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a former defense minister, and officials from Hamas. This development comes amid allegations that these individuals committed war crimes and crimes against humanity during the ongoing conflict in Gaza, especially following the attacks in October 2023 that escalated Israel’s military actions in the region.

This decision now classifies Netanyahu and the other named individuals as sought-after suspects on an international level, potentially increasing their isolation. Furthermore, it may complicate attempts to broker a cease-fire aimed at ending the 13-month-long hostilities between Israel and Hamas. However, the actual repercussions of these warrants may be minimal, as neither Israel nor its key ally, the United States, are signatories of the ICC. Additionally, several Hamas leaders implicated have already lost their lives in the ongoing conflict.

In response to the court’s actions, Netanyahu and other officials from Israel have openly criticized ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan, labeling his call for arrest warrants as shameful and anti-Semitic. U.S. President Joe Biden has also weighed in, condemning the prosecutor’s actions and reaffirming support for Israel’s right to defend itself against threats posed by Hamas. Hamas, too, has denounced the ICC’s request, characterizing it as unjust.