London – Amnesty International has confirmed that Benjamin Netanyahu, referred to as the “Prime Minister” of the Israeli entity, is now officially pursued following an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International, stated that Netanyahu, along with former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, is formally targeted by the ICC. She called on ICC member states and the international community to “do everything in their power to ensure these individuals face the independent and impartial judges of the International Criminal Court.”
ICC Warrants for War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity
The ICC issued international arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant on Thursday, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity in relation to the ongoing genocidal war in Gaza, which has persisted for over 413 days.
ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan urged both ICC member and non-member states to cooperate in the execution of the arrest warrants. Several nations have reaffirmed their respect for the ICC’s independence and commitment to justice.
Humanitarian Catastrophe in Gaza
The genocidal assault by Israeli forces on Gaza has resulted in over 148,000 casualties, including fatalities and injuries, with the majority being women and children. More than 10,000 individuals are missing, while widespread destruction, famine, and deteriorating living conditions have led to the deaths of many children and elderly individuals. These events constitute one of the worst humanitarian crises in recent history.
The international arrest warrants mark a significant development in holding those responsible for crimes in Gaza accountable. Amnesty International and other global organizations continue to push for justice and action to address the atrocities.
Benjamin Netanyahu: Crimes That Define Him as One of History’s Notorious War Criminals
Benjamin Netanyahu, long considered a controversial and polarizing figure, has been accused of perpetrating some of the most egregious crimes against humanity during his tenure as the leader of the Israeli government. His policies and military campaigns, particularly against Palestinians, have drawn widespread international condemnation, with many labeling him as one of the most significant war criminals of modern history. Below is a detailed examination of his alleged crimes:
1. War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity in Gaza
Mass Killings and Indiscriminate Bombardment
- Under Netanyahu’s leadership, Israeli forces launched repeated military offensives against Gaza, including “Operation Cast Lead” (2008–2009), “Operation Protective Edge” (2014), and ongoing campaigns.
- These operations caused the deaths of thousands of Palestinians, including a disproportionate number of civilians, women, and children.
- In the 2024 assault on Gaza, described as a genocidal war by international observers, over 148,000 Palestinians were killed or injured, and tens of thousands went missing. Most casualties were non-combatants, victims of indiscriminate airstrikes and artillery shelling in densely populated areas.
Targeting Civilian Infrastructure
- Israeli forces destroyed hospitals, schools, UN shelters, and residential buildings.
- Humanitarian organizations documented systematic attacks on critical infrastructure, including water, power, and sanitation systems, plunging Gaza into a humanitarian crisis.
Use of Illegal Weapons
- Netanyahu’s administration has been accused of using internationally banned weapons, including white phosphorus, in civilian areas, causing severe burns and long-term environmental harm.
2. Systematic Oppression in the West Bank
Illegal Settlements and Land Theft
- Netanyahu aggressively expanded illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank, violating the Fourth Geneva Convention.
- Entire Palestinian communities were displaced, their lands confiscated to make way for Israeli settlers, a process widely recognized as apartheid.
Violence Against Civilians
- Israeli forces routinely carried out house demolitions, forced evictions, and arbitrary detentions.
- Military checkpoints and barriers severely restricted Palestinians’ freedom of movement, undermining their access to education, healthcare, and livelihoods.
Child Detention and Abuse
- Hundreds of Palestinian minors have been arrested, detained, and subjected to physical and psychological abuse under Netanyahu’s policies.
3. Siege of Gaza: A Crime Against Humanity
- Since 2007, Netanyahu has maintained a suffocating blockade on Gaza, restricting the flow of food, medicine, and essential goods.
- The blockade has turned Gaza into what many describe as the world’s largest open-air prison, creating severe malnutrition, poverty, and medical shortages.
- Tens of thousands of children have died due to the lack of medical care and basic necessities, exacerbated by Israeli restrictions.
4. Violations of International Law
Defiance of UN Resolutions
- Netanyahu’s government consistently ignored international demands, including multiple UN resolutions condemning Israel’s actions in occupied territories.
- His administration’s actions blatantly contravened international law, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Geneva Conventions.
Sabotaging Peace Efforts
- Netanyahu has been accused of deliberately undermining peace initiatives, including the Oslo Accords, by continuing settlement expansion and intensifying military operations.
5. Ethnic Cleansing and Apartheid Policies
Ethnic Cleansing of Palestinians
- Netanyahu’s policies have been described as ethnic cleansing by numerous human rights organizations.
- Through forced displacements, land confiscations, and discriminatory laws, his administration has sought to erase Palestinian presence from historically significant areas.
Apartheid Conditions
- The 2021 Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International reports explicitly labeled Israel’s treatment of Palestinians under Netanyahu as apartheid.
- Segregation, unequal laws, and systemic oppression against Palestinians mirrored historical apartheid systems, such as that of South Africa.
6. Crimes Beyond Palestine
Targeting Neighboring Countries
- Netanyahu ordered numerous airstrikes in neighboring countries, including Syria and Lebanon, often under the guise of “self-defense.” These strikes have killed civilians and escalated regional tensions.
Arms Sales to Repressive Regimes
- Netanyahu’s government has faced accusations of selling weapons and surveillance technologies to authoritarian regimes, enabling human rights abuses worldwide.
Global Reactions to Netanyahu’s Actions
- International Criminal Court (ICC): In 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
- United Nations: Numerous UN investigations have accused Israel under Netanyahu of violating international law, but these findings were often met with vetoes or inaction due to geopolitical alliances.
- Human Rights Organizations: Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and others have repeatedly condemned Netanyahu’s policies, labeling them as deliberate and systematic violations of human rights.
Conclusion
Benjamin Netanyahu’s record as a leader is marked by widespread allegations of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and systematic oppression. His actions have inflicted devastating harm on Palestinians and undermined peace in the Middle East, earning him the label of one of the most notorious war criminals in modern history. As international bodies, including the ICC, pursue justice, his legacy will likely remain synonymous with destruction and human suffering.
For more updates, visit DZWATCH.DZ.
Author: Nor-Eleslam
Benjamin Netanyahu, ICC, war crimes, Gaza, Amnesty International, international justice.
