Controversy Surrounds Canada's Stance on Netanyahu's ICC Arrest Warrant

Israel has urged Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to reconsider his commitment to honour the International Criminal Court's warrant against Benjamin Netanyahu. Despite the ICC's arrest warrants for Netanyahu regarding alleged war crimes, Israel rejects the court's jurisdiction and claims Canada's policies fuel antisemitism.

Israel has called upon Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to revoke his agreement to enforce the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits Canada. This comes amid growing tensions over the ICC's allegations against the Israeli leader.

In a recent Bloomberg interview, Carney confirmed his intent to uphold his predecessor Justin Trudeau's pledge to arrest Netanyahu on war crimes charges if he arrives in Canada. However, an Israeli government spokesperson, Shosh Bedrosian, emphasized that Carney should reconsider this position and welcome Netanyahu, the leader of the Middle East's only Jewish democratic nation.

The ICC's warrants, issued last year, allege Netanyahu's involvement in war crimes during the Gaza conflict. Israel rejects the Hague-based court's authority and denies involvement in such crimes. Criticism also extended to Canada's recognition of a Palestinian state, described by Bedrosian as exacerbating antisemitic sentiments in the country.

(With inputs from agencies.)