Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has faced domestic and international legal challenges. According to experts and officials, these crises could significantly affect its political future and the course of the ongoing wars in Gaza and Lebanon. British news agency Reuters reported this news.
On Thursday, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former defense minister, Yoav Galant. The decision comes amid accusations of war crimes and crimes against humanity in the 13-month conflict in Gaza.
Netanyahu called the ICC's decision “anti-Semitic” and claimed neither he nor Gallant had ever targeted the common people of Gaza or had any intention of starving them.
Yonatan Freeman, an international relations expert at the Hebrew University, said the ICC's decision will further increase support for Netanyahu among the Israeli public. Israelis feel they need to stand by their leader in the face of unfair criticism from the world.
As a result of this decision of the ICC, the way to negotiate a possible ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon or the release of those held by Hamas in Gaza is difficult.
Israel's Consul General in New York, Ofir Akunis, said the decision created a major obstacle to talks on Lebanon and Gaza. Hezbollah and Hamas may now increase their demands.
The hearing of the corruption case that has been chasing Netanyahu for a long time is going to begin within the issuance of the ICC warrant. Accused of bribery, breach of trust and fraud, his political career could be over if he is convicted in the case.
Netanyahu's popularity hit rock bottom on October 7, 2023, when 1,200 Israelis were killed in a surprise attack by Hamas. But the ICC decision has restored support for him.
Israel's influential daily Yedioth Ahronoth said Netanyahu chose to avoid an independent investigation and take risks like the ICC.
As a result of the ICC warrant, Netanyahu is at risk of arrest in 124 member states of the world. Although the United States is not a member of the ICC.
Yuval Shani, a senior fellow at the Israel Democracy Institute, said the warrant would make world leaders wary of dealing with Netanyahu. Israel may face further international isolation as a result.
Netanyahu is trying to survive the political pressure by exploiting the wartime situation. However, ICC warrants and internal litigation have made his future more complicated.
Experts say the Netanyahu-led government and war policy will face criticism. But the support of the Israeli people may keep him alive for now.
