The president of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, considered this Thursday as “logical” the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and assured that “its ruling must be followed.”
“This is logical. Netanyahu is a genocidaire. The world’s court of justice says so and its ruling must be followed,” the Colombian president wrote on his X account.
Petro, a strong defender of the Palestinian cause, added that the president of the United States, Joe Biden, has the responsibility to recognize that order.
“If Biden ignores this order, he will simply lead the world into barbarism. Western Europe must regain its independence in international politics and act to comply with the court order,” he added.
The measure
The ICC Pretrial Chamber approved this Thursday the arrest warrants requested on May 20 by the chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, against Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, as well as against a Hamas leader.
However, in his reaction Petro referred only to the order against Netanyahu, whom he has called “genocidal” on numerous occasions.
The order against Netanyahu and Gallant is as criminally responsible and co-perpetrators of war crimes since at least October 8, 2023, including “the use of starvation as a method of war and the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution and other inhumane acts.” “committed in the Gaza Strip.
In the case of Hamas, Khan’s indictment includes six war crimes, such as hostage-taking and acts of sexual violence, and five crimes against humanity, including extermination and murder committed during the October 7, 2023 attacks.
Breakdown of relationships
In fact, Colombia announced the severance of relations with Israel that became effective on May 2 due to its opposition to that country’s actions in “the war that has been waged in the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023.”
Furthermore, the Colombian Government has on several occasions called for a ceasefire, for the release of Israeli hostages taken by Hamas and for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, while urging Israel to respect International Humanitarian Law (IHL). .
Bogotá / EFE
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What are the potential implications for US-Israel relations of Petro’s call for Biden to recognize the ICC’s warrant for Netanyahu?
## Interview: Colombia’s Petro Backs ICC Warrant Against Netanyahu
**Host:** We’re joined today by Dr. Maria Sanchez, a political analyst specializing in Latin American and Middle Eastern relations. Dr. Sanchez, Colombian President Gustavo Petro has publicly expressed his support for the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. How significant is this stance?
**Dr. Sanchez:** This is a bold move by President Petro, reflecting his consistently strong stance in support of the Palestinian cause. [[1](https://thecitypaperbogota.com/news/colombias-petro-welcomes-icc-arrest-warrant-against-netanyahu-a-genocidal-maniac/)]His use of the term “genocidaire” highlights the gravity with which he views the situation and aligns Colombia directly with the ICC’s findings.
**Host:** Petro also specifically called on US President Joe Biden to recognize the ICC’s order. What are the implications of this call?
**Dr. Sanchez:** This puts President Biden in a very difficult position. The US has traditionally been a strong ally of Israel and often clashes with the ICC, particularly regarding its jurisdiction over Israeli nationals. Petro is essentially daring Biden to choose between upholding international law and maintaining the US-Israel alliance. This could create significant diplomatic tension and potentially impact US policy towards both Israel and the Palestinian territories.
**Host:** How might this move by Petro impact Colombia’s international standing?
**Dr. Sanchez:** This could both bolster and complicate Colombia’s relationships on the global stage.
On the one hand, it reinforces Colombia’s image as a champion for human rights and international justice, attracting support from countries sympathetic to the Palestinian cause.
On the other hand, it could strain relations with countries like the US and Israel, potentially impacting trade and diplomatic cooperation. Ultimately, the long-term consequences will depend on how other nations respond to this development.
**Host:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Sanchez.
