By Dan Williams
KEREM SHALOM, Israel (Reuters) – Israel estimates that hundreds of its citizens may be subject to war crimes investigations by the International Criminal Court, whose jurisdiction it rejects, and is working to protect them, the defense minister said on Tuesday. .
Including himself among Israelis who could be threatened with imprisonment, Benny Gantz told Reuters: “I was never afraid to cross enemy lines, I will continue where necessary”.
The Hague court ruled last month that it has jurisdiction over the occupied West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem. The decision could lead to criminal investigations by Israel and Palestinian militant groups, including Hamas.
Israel is not a member of the court and rejects its jurisdiction, a position supported by its close ally, the United States. The Palestinians hailed the decision as a chance for justice for the victims of the Israeli attacks.
In an interview on Israel’s fortified border with Gaza, Gantz, who also holds Israel’s justice portfolio, called the decision “negative development” and added: “We have our own teams working in different (places) to try (e) influence (the CCIs). “
Gantz was the chief of the military staff during a 2014 war between Israel and militants in Hamas-controlled Gaza. The ICC identified this conflict as a potential problem to be investigated.
Asked by Reuters how many Israelis, including himself, can expect to be arrested if the investigation leads to criminal investigations, Gantz said: “I think several hundred, but we will take care of everyone.”
Gantz called this “an estimate”, refusing to say whether Israel had made a list of officials. Israel will provide legal assistance to any Israelis involved and give them travel legal notices, if necessary, said Gantz.
Asked whether he could change his travel plans himself in light of the ICC investigation, Gantz said: “Not so far.”
(Written by Rami Ayyub; edited by Jeffrey Heller and Philippa Fletcher)