Netanyahu Faces ICC Arrest Warrant and Corruption Trial, Complicating Leadership During Conflicts

The Israeli prime minister is accused of war crimes by the ICC while preparing to testify in a domestic bribery case, raising questions about his political future and wartime strategies.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense chief Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes in Gaza, marking a rare international legal challenge for a sitting leader.
Netanyahu has strongly denied the charges, labeling the ICC's actions as antisemitic, while Israeli officials argue the move undermines potential ceasefire negotiations and hostage deals in ongoing conflicts with Hamas and Hezbollah.
Domestically, Netanyahu is set to testify in a long-running corruption trial next month, facing accusations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, which could end his political career if convicted.
The ICC warrant restricts Netanyahu's travel to the court's 124 signatory countries, increasing Israel's diplomatic isolation and complicating international relations, though the U.S. has condemned the ICC's decision.
Critics suggest Netanyahu's refusal to launch an independent inquiry into Israel's handling of the Gaza war may have spurred the ICC's actions, while his domestic support remains polarized despite rallying around him in response to the arrest warrant.