Tensions Rise as Israel Pressures Canada on ICC Netanyahu Warrant

Israel urges Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to reconsider his commitment to honoring the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu. The ICC accuses Netanyahu of war crimes. Israel rejects the charges and Canada's recognition of Palestine has heightened tensions, deemed a 'prize for terrorism' by Israel.

Israel is pressuring Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to withdraw his commitment to the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should he visit Canada.

In an interview, Carney affirmed his intention to fulfill the pledge of his predecessor Justin Trudeau to arrest Netanyahu on charges of war crimes if he arrived in Canada. Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian emphasized that Prime Minister Netanyahu, as the leader of Israel, should be welcomed in Canada, dismissing the ICC's claims.

The ICC's warrants for alleged war crimes in Gaza are strongly contested by Israel, which sees Canada's recognition of a Palestinian state as emboldening terrorism and fueling antisemitism across the country.

(With inputs from agencies.)