NZ arrest awaits Netanyahu
New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has confirmed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant would both be arrested if they attempted to enter New Zealand.
Chris Luxon
PM Luxon said at a press conference that “we believe in the international rules-based system, we support the ICC [the International Criminal Court], and we would be obligated to do so.”
PM Luxon’s comments follow a recent ruling by the ICC, where they issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant and Mohammed Deif (deceased) on accusations of war crimes and crimes against humanity over the war started by Hamas.
However, the practical implications of the warrants could be limited by the fact that Israel is not a member of the court. The ICC can only prosecute crimes omitted by nationals of member states or on the territory of member states by other actors.
President of JNF NZ, Rob Berg, said: “The Prime Minister’s response shows lack of experience and understanding in this matter. He was no doubt advised by MFAT who still think UNRWA is a respectable organisation that genuinely tries to alleviate Palestinian suffering.
The ICC ruling is blatantly prejudiced and goes against their own mandate and processes. The Israeli PM and former FM have been hung, drawn and quartered by a quasi-court that is more reminiscent of French justice process in the Dreyfus affair.
Israel is a democracy with its own justice system that has already imprisoned a former Prime Minister and President. It does not need the ICC to issue arrest warrants. If PM Netanyahu and former FM were to be accused of war crimes, the Israeli courts would be the ones to decide and not this mockery of a courthouse that also issued an arrest warrant for a dead terrorist! Even issuing these warrants for arrest at the same time shows how ridiculous the ICC has become. Unfortunately, Prime Minister Luxon’s comments show a lack of understanding in this matter. Hopefully, he will realise this mistake and retract the statement in the coming days.”
The New Zealand Jewish Council declined to comment.
