The US and its allies are concerned that the International Criminal Court will issue arrest warrants for Israeli officials just as the country moves closer to a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, potentially jeopardizing a deal, people familiar with the matter say the case.
The concern is that Israel will withdraw from a ceasefire if the ICC goes ahead with the arrest warrants, said two of the people, who asked not to be identified discussing private deliberations. The Group of Seven countries has launched a quiet diplomatic effort to convey that message to the Hague-based court, the people said.
The ICC is considering arrest warrants against both senior Israeli officials and the Hamas leadership over both sides’ conduct of the war in Gaza, the people said. The New York Times previously reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could be among the targets.
