ICC issues warrant of arrest for Netanyahu, Gallant over Gaza mayhem

International Criminal Court (ICC) has placed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyau on its most wanted list over war crimes charges.

Also being sought is embattled former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

Gallant was forced out of job on November 6, 2024, over what Netanyau described as trust issues.

Hamas leader Ibahim Al-Masri is also wanted to stand trial over mass killings during a cross border raid into Israel.

At least 1,300 Israelis were reportedly killed.

The Court may charge him post-humously after Israel soldiers  reported  killing him in battle nearly a month ago.

The October 7, 2023, raid drove Israel soldiers into a multi-pronged battle with the Hamas and Lebanon.

There had been sporadic missile launches between Israel and Iran.

ICC judges believe there are reasonable grounds to believe Netanyahu and Gallant were criminally responsible for starvation in Gaza and the persecution of Palestinians.

ICC prosecutor Karim Khan announced on May 20 that he was seeking arrest warrants for alleged crimes connected to the Hamas-led attacks on Israel and the Israeli military response in Gaza.

Israel has constantly rejected the jurisdiction of the Hague-based court.

They further deny war crimes in Gaza.

Former Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett said the ICC's decision to issue arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant were a "mark of shame" for the court.

Israel's main opposition leader Yair Lapid also denounced the court's move, calling it "a reward for terrorism".