DUBLIN: Ireland’s Prime Minister, Simon Harris, has announced that if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits Ireland after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issues an arrest warrant, the country will be prepared to arrest him.
In an interview with the state broadcaster RTE, Harris confirmed, “Yes, absolutely. We cooperate with the International Criminal Court, and we will implement their warrants.” He also mentioned that Ireland would enforce warrants against Hamas official Mohammed Deif, although the ICC has not confirmed whether he is alive or deceased.
Foreign Minister Michael Martin expressed disagreement with U.S. President Joe Biden’s dismissal of the warrants against Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, calling their dismissal “absurd.” Martin emphasized that war crimes had been committed in Gaza, and that punishing civilians indiscriminately amounts to genocide.
Relations between Israel and Ireland have soured since Ireland officially recognized Palestine as a state in May of this year. Following this, Israel recalled its ambassador to Ireland.
The ICC issued arrest warrants in October 2023 for Netanyahu and Gallant for their involvement in alleged atrocities and war crimes in Gaza between October 2023 and May 2024. The court’s evidence suggests that both individuals deliberately deprived Gaza’s civilian population of essential supplies, including food, water, medical resources, fuel, and electricity.
In addition to Netanyahu and Gallant, the ICC also issued an arrest warrant for Hamas leader Mohammed Deif.