ICC Issues Warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant Over War Crimes

The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants in November 2024 for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, alleging they committed war crimes and crimes against humanity. This action followed a July 2024 advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice, which declared Israel's continued presence in occupied Palestinian territories unlawful and criticized a legal system that subjects settlers to civilian law while Palestinians face military courts.

On the ground in the West Bank, residents of Khirbat Zanuta reported forced displacement resulting from armed settler attacks on homes and infrastructure. Some families remained unable to return to their land despite a May 2024 ruling by the Supreme Court of Israel that directed authorities to facilitate their safe return.

In response to ongoing dispossession, the European Union implemented sanctions in May 2026 targeting extremist settlers and the organizations that support them. Critics maintain that the cycle of military operations and territorial control persists regardless of the specific Israeli political coalition in power.