Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Threatens Arrest of Netanyahu Over ICC Warrant

Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Wladyslaw Bartoszewski stated that if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits Poland, he would be arrested in line with the country’s obligations under the International Criminal Court (ICC). Bartoszewski’s remarks were made during an interview with the Polish economic and legal newspaper Rzeczpospolita on Friday.

Bartoszewski's comments follow the ICC’s charges against Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, both accused of committing crimes. As signatories to the Rome Statute, Poland and other countries in the European Union are legally required to comply with arrest warrants issued by the ICC.

The statements come ahead of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, a significant event that will take place on January 27. While this event traditionally attracts high-profile international leaders, Israeli officials have not confirmed whether Netanyahu will attend. Sources have suggested that President Isaac Herzog is also unlikely to participate, with Israeli Education Minister Yoav Kisch expected to represent Israel instead.

Poland’s Commitment to ICC Warrants

Polish authorities have emphasized their commitment to enforcing the ICC’s arrest warrants, citing their desire to see Russian President Vladimir Putin face justice over charges related to the kidnapping of Ukrainian children. While Poland is firm on enforcing the ICC warrants, other European countries, like Hungary, have expressed different stances. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has publicly stated that Netanyahu would not face arrest in Hungary, even inviting him to visit.

In addition to Poland, several European Union (EU) states have expressed their stance on arresting Netanyahu. While all 27 EU countries are bound by the Rome Statute, there has been a shift in some countries’ positions. Initially, France declared it would comply fully with the ICC’s arrest warrant, but after negotiations involving a ceasefire in Lebanon, France changed its stance, offering Netanyahu diplomatic immunity. However, countries like Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland, Lithuania, and Slovenia have confirmed that they would arrest Netanyahu despite diplomatic immunity.