JERUSALEM: Israel’s hawkish long-serving right-wing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is treading increasingly thin ice after the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) prosecutor on Monday sought an arrest warrant for him over “war crimes” against Palestinians in Gaza.
The 73-year-old leader, known by his nickname “Bibi,” has been a dominant figure in Israeli politics for decades but now faces mounting criticism both at home and abroad for his handling of the Gaza crisis.
To his opponents, Netanyahu was the “crime minister” who, while fighting corruption charges in court, was also leading a push to curb the powers of the judiciary in a way they feared would undermine democracy.
Netanyahu has faced staunch criticism for overseeing Israel’s bloodiest military operations in Gaza, which have resulted in a very large number of civilian casualties. Since October 7 last year, Israel has launched a relentless bombardment campaign in Gaza that has killed at least 35,562 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to the territory’s health ministry.
Despite international pressure to cease hostilities, Netanyahu has remained steadfast in his approach, even sending troops into the far-southern city of Rafah against the advice of key allies like the United States.
The ICC’s prosecutor, Karim Khan, announced on Monday that he had applied for an arrest warrant against Netanyahu and his Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged crimes including “wilful killing,” “extermination and/or murder,” and “starvation.”
Throughout his tenure, Netanyahu has been criticized by opponents for his handling of corruption charges and attempts to undermine democratic institutions. Despite facing legal challenges and widespread opposition, Netanyahu has managed to remain in power, making him Israel’s longest-serving prime minister.
Born into a family with a strong Zionist background, Netanyahu has been deeply influenced by his upbringing and military service. His political career has been marked by a tough stance on national issues, including expanding Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank.
Netanyahu has never engaged in substantive peace talks with the Palestinians, instead overseeing a rapid expansion of West Bank settlements that are considered illegal under international law.
He has repeatedly expressed his refusal to allow the Palestinian Authority a role in post-war Gaza.
His government, which includes hardline pro-settlement groups, has also overseen a rise in armed raids in the West Bank.
Where Integrity is Everything
