Netanyahu secretly changes flight plans to evade potential ICC arrest

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has secretly changed his flight plans to evade a potential arrest under a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Great Game India reported on the development, citing reports from the Times of Israel (ToI) and the Kan public broadcaster. The Israeli leader is set to fly to the U.S. to address Congress on July 24. But instead of stopping over at a midpoint location, he opted for a direct flight “to avoid potential legal complications.”

“Netanyahu considered, then decided against, visiting the Czech Republic and Hungary on the way to the U.S. when he travels to address Congress on July 24 … amid fears the ICC was readying an arrest warrant against him,” the ToI wrote.

“When the prime minister’s aircraft – known as the ‘Wing of Zion’ – is fully loaded with passengers, it must stop en route to North America. Netanyahu, meanwhile, has reportedly chosen to travel light to complete the transatlantic flight in a single trip. This will spare the European nation that is hosting the layover from having to refuel, which could have been politically unpleasant,” Great Game India continued.

The independent outlet added that the ICC’s issuance of arrest warrants against Netanyahu and others not only affects the Israeli leader’s travel but also highlights the political and diplomatic challenges faced by countries involved in ICC proceedings.

But apart from influencing the possible movements of “wanted” individuals, the warrant is mainly symbolic. However, it poses a political conundrum and can cause tension in some countries’ ties.

The ICC, which is based in The Hague in the Netherlands, depends on each signatory nation to the Rome Statute to carry out its decision – even though it lacks an enforcement mechanism. Both Prague and Budapest are signatories to the Rome Statute, but Tel Aviv is not.

ICC arrest warrant against Israel divides tribunal’s employees

ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan issued the arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in May. The warrants accused the two Israeli officials of “causing extermination, causing starvation as a method of war including the denial of humanitarian relief supplies, deliberately targeting civilians in conflict.” But Netanyahu and Gallant weren’t the only ones issued with warrants, as Khan also issued similar arrest warrants for Hamas senior leaders Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif and Ismail Haniyeh.

“Israel, like all states, has a right to take action to defend its population. That right, however, does not absolve Israel or any state of its obligation to comply with international humanitarian law,” the ICC prosecutor said in a statement following the warrants’ issuance. (Related: ICC issues statement outlining arrest warrants for Israel’s alleged war crimes in Gaza.)

“I have consistently emphasized that international humanitarian law demands that Israel take urgent action to immediately allow access to humanitarian aid in Gaza at scale. Those who do not comply with the law should not complain later when my office takes action.”

Great Game India noted that Khan’s move to issue the arrest warrants sparked outrage and divisions within the ICC. He reportedly blindsided his staff when he announced the pursuit of arrest warrants. According to Khan’s office, he proceeded with his decision because he had not received evidence from Tel Aviv demonstrating “genuine action” to address alleged crimes.

Both Israel and the U.S. expressed their displeasure and criticism of Khan’s decision soon after he issued his warrants. Even several members of the U.S. Congress warned against the ICC issuing a warrant against Netanyahu. But the tribunal didn’t flinch, instead issuing its counter-warning against attempts to intimidate it.

Head over to IsraelCollapse.com for similar stories.

Watch Nick Fuentes talking about the ICC’s arrest warrant against Benjamin Netanyahu in the clip below.

This video is from the Liberum Arbitrium channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Like THUGS, members of U.S. Congress make threats against ICC if arrest warrants are issued against Netanyahu for Israeli war crimes.

ICC warns against attempts to intimidate the court into not issuing arrest warrants against Netanyahu, other Israeli officials.

U.S. government fighting imminent ICC arrest warrant for war criminal Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israeli sources: Netanyahu confessed to Biden that he is AFRAID of ICC arrest warrants.

Netanyahu begs Biden to block ICC from trying to put him in prison for war crimes.

Sources include:

GreatGameIndia.com

ICC-CPI.int

Brighteon.com