Canada Faces Diplomatic Quandary Over ICC Warrant for Netanyahu

Israel is pressing Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to reconsider his stance on supporting the ICC arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Carney affirmed his commitment to his predecessor's promise to act on the warrant amid Israeli denials and criticisms of Canada’s stance on recognizing Palestine.

Israel has made a direct appeal to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to reconsider his commitment to honor the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The call comes after Carney publicly expressed his intention to uphold the pledge of his predecessor, Justin Trudeau, regarding the warrant connected to alleged war crimes in Gaza.

During an interview with Bloomberg, Carney confirmed that he would fulfill the arrest commitment if Netanyahu were to visit Canada. In response, Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian urged Carney to extend a welcome to Netanyahu, describing him as the leader of the only Jewish and democratic state in the Middle East.

Last year, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu on allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Israel has rejected the validity of the ICC's jurisdiction and denies any wrongdoing in the Gaza conflict. Bedrosian criticized Canada for recognizing a Palestinian state, labeling it a "prize for terrorism" that exacerbates antisemitic sentiments.

(With inputs from agencies.)