Italy looking to block Netanyahu arrest warrant – media

Italy has been pushing for a suspension of the arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, issued last week by the International Criminal Court (ICC), according to Italian media reports.

The EU country is a signatory to the Rome Statute, requiring adherence to ICC decisions.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani reportedly made the proposal during a G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Italy, which started on Monday. He called for a common decision by the G7 countries, claiming that the criminal proceedings could be suspended until the end of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the newspaper Il Messaggero has reported.

The Hague-based ICC announced on Thursday that it had issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu, his former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leader Ibrahim al-Masri, over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to the Gaza conflict. The court has jurisdiction over the West Bank and Gaza, which are considered occupied Palestinian territories under international law.

Both Israeli politicians could be arrested if they travel to any of the 124 countries that are signatories to the ICC’s Rome Statute, including Italy.

However, the Italian foreign minister noted that while the court makes “legal decisions,” Western governments are responsible for “political choices.” 

“We need to be united on this,” Tajani reportedly said during the G7 meeting.

According to the news website Euractiv, Tajani reaffirmed Italy’s recognition of the ICC. However, when asked about the potential arrest of Netanyahu if he were to visit Italy, the diplomat noted that there is a form of immunity for top state officials.

Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Ireland, Sweden, Belgium, the UK, and Norway, have announced that they would comply with the ICC warrant. The US and Israel have condemned the decision.

Israel launched its military operation in Gaza in response to a cross-border incursion by Hamas on October 7, 2023, in which around 1,200 people died and 251 others were taken hostage. According to the latest data from Gaza’s health ministry, over 44,000 Palestinians have been killed and more than 104,000 wounded in Israeli attacks on the enclave.