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Borrell: Implementing Arrest Warrants for Netanyahu and Al-Deif Mandatory for EU Countries
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Borrell's firm statements reflect a balanced European position in dealing with international arrest warrants, rejecting double standards
The EU's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, confirmed on Saturday his rejection of selective handling of arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas' Al-Qassam Brigades leader Mohammed Al-Deif.
During his inspection visit to Cyprus to participate in a meeting with Israeli and Palestinian peace activists, he stated that "countries that are signatories to the Rome Statute are obligated to implement the court's decision, and this is not optional."
He explained that countries aspiring to join the European Union are also required to implement this decision, according to Reuters. He emphasized that "it would be very ridiculous to have newcomers comply with an obligation that current members do not fulfill."
Borrell, whose term ends this month, added: "Every time someone disagrees with a particular Israeli government policy, they are accused of antisemitism." He affirmed, saying: "I have the right to criticize decisions of the Israeli government, whether it's Netanyahu's or anyone else's, without being accused of antisemitism, this is unacceptable, and enough is enough."
The International Criminal Court in The Hague announced Thursday that "the chamber issued arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant in cases of crimes against humanity and war crimes committed in Gaza between October 8, 2023, and May 20, 2024," adding the issuance of a similar warrant for Al-Deif.
All EU countries are bound by the founding treaty of the International Criminal Court known as the Rome Statute, and several European countries have pledged to fulfill their obligations under the Statute when necessary.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban deviated from the European position by inviting Netanyahu to visit his country, assuring him complete safety, while a U.S. position emerged rejecting the ICC's decision, which Israel described as antisemitic.
Levant-Agencies
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