EU Condemns Poland's Choice to Overlook ICC Arrest Warrant for Netanyahu
The European Union has responded strongly to Poland’s controversial decision to disregard the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
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He added: "All EU member states, as signatories to the Rome Statute, are committed to full cooperation with the ICC, including the enforcement of arrest warrants issued by the court."
Al-Aouni clarified that it is not the European Commission’s responsibility to enforce ICC rulings; this obligation lies with individual member states.
Meanwhile, the Polish government announced that it would not execute the ICC arrest warrant for Netanyahu if he visits Poland. Reports suggest that Poland seeks to strengthen relations with Israel, and its refusal to enforce the ICC ruling is seen as a step toward achieving this goal.
The ICC issued an arrest warrant in November last year for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity during the extensive attacks on Gaza.
Under the Rome Statute, all countries that are party to the treaty are required to cooperate with the court and enforce its rulings. As a signatory, Poland is legally obligated to execute Netanyahu’s arrest warrant.
However, the Polish Prime Minister announced that Israeli officials could visit the country for the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp without fear of arrest. This decision has sparked widespread criticism from political and human rights circles. Human rights organizations have emphasized that such actions undermine international justice systems and could increase impunity for individuals accused of war crimes.
In recent years, Poland has faced significant tensions with the EU over violations of the rule of law, judicial independence, and human rights. European institutions have repeatedly accused Poland of failing to meet its international commitments.
Observers warn that if Poland persists in its decision to disregard the ICC arrest warrant for Netanyahu, it could face political and legal consequences in its relations with Brussels.
