Israeli internal security service Shin Bet revoked the VIP status of Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki when he returned from Jordan to the West Bank, Axios learns from Israeli officials.
Why does it matter: According to the authorities, the unusual act was retaliation for al-Maliki’s pressure for an investigation against Israel at the International Criminal Court. The card allows for easier movement and access within the West Bank and at border crossings.
- This is the first time that Israel has sanctioned a Palestinian official since a decision by an ICC prosecutor to open an investigation into the situation in the West Bank and Gaza.
- The Israeli government has worked for years to avoid any trial by the ICC against its actions in the West Bank or the Gaza Strip.
Driving the news: Al-Maliki and his aides were arrested by Shin Bet when they entered the West Bank from Jordan on Sunday.
- Israeli officials say Al-Maliki’s VIP status, issued by the Israeli government, has been revoked this time and may continue to be revoked if Al-Maliki continues his actions.
Between the lines: Al-Maliki was returning after a visit to The Hague, during which he met Fatou Bensouda, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court.
- According to a statement from his office, al-Maliki asked the prosecutor to speed up the investigation against Israel, which she announced several weeks ago.
- Al-Maliki told the prosecutor that the Palestinians support the work of the ICC and will cooperate with the court and its team in the investigation.
What they are saying: A senior Israeli official told Axios Al-Maliki that he is leading Palestinian actions at the ICC aimed at undermining the freedom of movement for Israeli officials and threatening their security.
- “Such actions are in line with the current relationship between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. So we decided that there is no reason for Al-Maliki to enjoy privileges when he crosses the border, ”said the official.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that it will notify several of its partners around the world about Israeli sanctions.
- “This proves that Israel is a vengeful country, unable to resolve its problems legally and that it must use threats and sanctions,” the statement said.
Behind the scenes: Israeli officials told Axios that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved the measure.
- It was one of a series of retaliatory measures that Israel will take against the Palestinians for their actions to force an investigation.
- A week ago, the director of Shin Bet met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah and emphasized that Palestinian movements at the ICC have crossed the line and warned of retaliation.
The current situation: Two weeks ago, the ICC prosecutor sent a formal letter to Israel and the Palestinians, announcing the investigation. Both parties have 30 days to respond and tell the prosecutor whether they want to conduct their own investigation before the ICC has pronounced itself.