Recently, the International Criminal Court (ICC) made a controversial decision to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The warrants were in relation to war crimes allegedly committed in Gaza following an attack on Israel last year.
The news of the arrest warrants has sparked anger and unity among Israelis, particularly evident at Jerusalem's Mahane Yehuda Market. Many individuals expressed outrage at the ICC's decision, viewing it as biased and unfair towards Israel. The sentiment of unity among Israelis in response to external pressure was highlighted by legal scholar Gil Siegal, who noted that such situations often bring the nation together.
Despite internal political disagreements and ongoing protests against Netanyahu's government, most Israelis feel that the ICC's move is an attack on their country rather than just the prime minister. The war in Gaza is still supported by many Israelis who see it as a necessary measure to ensure national security.
The arrest warrants also included Hamas leader Mohammed Al-Masri, known as Mohammed Deif, who was allegedly involved in the attack that claimed over 1,200 lives. While some Israelis welcomed the warrant against Deif as a recognition of Hamas' atrocities, they were shocked by the inclusion of Netanyahu and Gallant in the same category.
Netanyahu strongly condemned the ICC's decision, labeling it as antisemitic and likening it to a modern-day Dreyfus trial. The prime minister accused the court of being motivated by antisemitic sentiments against Israel.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized the arrest warrants, describing them as a 'reward for terrorism.' The situation remains tense in Israel as the country grapples with the aftermath of the ICC's controversial move.
