Canada, Colombia Pledge to Arrest Netanyahu

Canada and Colombia have committed to upholding the International Criminal Court's (ICC) decisions by arresting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant if they set foot on their territories.

This move comes after the ICC issued arrest warrants for both officials over allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

In a statement, Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly emphasized that Canada, as a founding member of the ICC, has long upheld the importance of international law and the need for all parties to respect it.

She affirmed that Canada would adhere to its obligations under the Rome Statute, the treaty that governs the ICC and would act by its commitments.

Joly explained that Canada would honor the ICC’s orders and arrest Netanyahu and Gallant should they enter Canadian soil.

Similarly, Colombian President Gustavo Petro expressed his country’s respect for the ICC’s decision, stating that if Netanyahu and Gallant visit Colombia, they will be arrested in compliance with international law.

Petro also criticized the United States for its refusal to accept ICC decisions, calling the stance "supportive of atrocities."

He condemned major world powers for disregarding international law, human rights, and human civilization. 

He noted that the ICC’s issuance of arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant was a logical and necessary step.

The ICC’s warrants, issued on Thursday, accused Netanyahu and Gallant of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The charges against them include the use of starvation as a weapon of war, murder, persecution, and inhumane acts.

As a result of the ICC's decision, Netanyahu and Gallant will now face restrictions on visiting over 120 countries that are signatories to the Rome Statute, which establishes the ICC’s jurisdiction. These nations are legally obligated to enforce ICC arrest warrants.

Israeli officials have strongly condemned the ICC’s actions, with senior leaders describing the arrest warrants as a reward for armed groups and an example of anti-Semitism.