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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How might the ICC arrest warrant against Netanyahu impact the ongoing peace negotiations between Israel and Palestine?
## Interview: Colombian President’s Response to Netanyahu Arrest Warrant
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Joining us this evening is Professor Alex Reed, expert on international relations and Latin American politics. Professor, the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sparked strong reactions globally. Notably, Colombian President Gustavo Petro called it “logical” and urged compliance with the ruling. What are your thoughts on Petro’s response?
**Professor:** This is indeed a significant development, and President Petro’s response reflects the deep divisions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. His use of the term “genocidaire” is highly potent and inflammatory, reflecting his staunchsupport for the Palestinian cause. It’s crucial to remember that the ICC arrest warrant has not yet been acted upon, and Netanyahu vehemently denies the allegations.
**Host:** Petro also mentioned that President Biden has a responsibility to recognize the ICC order. How likely is that, given the USA’s traditionally strong ties with Israel?
**Professor:** The US has a complex relationship with the ICC. While it’s signed the Rome Statute, which established the court, it hasn’t ratified it. The US has also historically opposed ICC investigations involving its allies, including Israel.
Therefore, it’s unlikely President Biden will immediately endorse the warrant or push for Netanyahu’s arrest. However, the situation creates pressure on the US to navigate a difficult diplomatic terrain, balancing its longstanding support for Israel with its commitment to international justice.
**Host:** What are the potential ramifications of this arrest warrant, both for Netanyahu and for the broader peace process in the region?
**Professor:** This warrant significantly increases the pressure on Netanyahu, both domestically and internationally. It could potentially lead to investigations and legal challenges, regardless of whether he is ultimately arrested.
For the peace process, this development adds another layer of complexity. It’s likely to further increase tensions between Israel and Palestinians and make negotiations even more challenging.
**Host:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Professor Alex Reed. It certainly appears that this arrest warrant has sent shockwaves through the international community, with further developments to be closely watched.
