Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed that Canada would enforce an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a decision that has triggered both domestic and international backlash. Speaking at a press conference, Trudeau stated Canada's unwavering commitment to upholding international law.
"We stand up for international law, and we will abide by all the regulations and rulings of the international courts. This is just who we are as Canadians," Trudeau said. His remarks followed the ICC's issuance of arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity tied to Israel's military actions in Gaza.
The charges stem from Israel's 13-month campaign in Gaza, launched after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks that left 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 hostages captured. The ICC accuses Netanyahu and Gallant of committing "crimes against humanity, including murder and persecution," as well as "using starvation as a method of warfare." Both Israeli leaders have denied the accusations.
Israel's ambassador to Canada, Iddo Moed, urged Ottawa to reject the ICC's decision. "We urge the Canadian government to stand firm in its support of Israel's right to defend itself by rejecting and condemning the ICC's decision," Moed stated. Netanyahu's office decried the warrant as "an antisemitic decision," echoing similar sentiments from Israel's allies, including the United States.
The U.S., which is not a member of the ICC, criticized the court's actions. A spokesperson for the White House National Security Council expressed "deep concern" over what they called the ICC Prosecutor's "rush to seek arrest warrants." The spokesperson added that Washington is discussing potential next steps with its international partners.
Trudeau's stance has also sparked controversy at home. Opposition Conservatives condemned the ICC's warrant and criticized Trudeau's response. "The ICC is drawing a false equivalency between a liberal democracy and a terrorist group that attacked that democracy last year," said Michael Chong, the Conservative foreign affairs critic. Conservative Deputy Leader Melissa Lantsman echoed the sentiment, adding, "Hamas needs to release the hostages, drop their arms, and unconditionally surrender."
While Trudeau reiterated Canada's call for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid to Gaza, he emphasized that accountability is crucial for achieving peace. "We need to see Hamas lay down its arms. We need to see all hostages released. And we need to get back on track toward a two-state solution," he said.
The ICC warrant also includes Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif, though Israel claims he was killed in a July airstrike. The warrants for both Israeli and Hamas leaders highlight the court's efforts to address alleged war crimes on all sides of the conflict.
However, the ICC's ability to enforce its rulings remains uncertain. The court lacks its own enforcement mechanism and relies on cooperation from its 124 member states, including Canada.
