Netanyahu to call meeting on ICC investigation of Israel

APRIL 3, 2021 22:44

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to hold a meeting Tuesday to determine whether Israel should participate in the ICC’s war crimes investigation or boycott the matter, according to reports in the Israeli media.

Israel has until April 9 to respond to an ICC letter it received last month informing it that a war crimes investigation had been opened.

At issue is Israeli activity during the 2014 Gaza war, its response to the Hamas led Great March of Return and settlement activity as of June 13, 2014.

Israel has the option of presenting an argument as to why a probe is unnecessary. Should Israel opt to respond, it’s expected that it could dissuade the court given that Israel independently investigates IDF activity and the court is supposed to be active in situations where there is no domestic judicial redress.

Israel’s argument against settlement activity is expected to be less effective.

The Jerusalem Post reported last week that no meeting had been held on the matter.

According to Israeli media reports, Tuesday’s meeting will include officials from the Justice Ministry and the Defense Ministry. The country at present has no justice minister.