By Dan Williams
KEREM SHALOM, Israel (Reuters) – Israel estimates that hundreds of civilians could be subject to war crimes by the International Criminal Court, whose jurisdiction it rejects, and is working to protect them, the defense minister said on Tuesday.
Benny Gantz, who includes himself among Israelis who could be threatened with arrest, told Reuters: “I was never afraid to cross enemy lines, I will stand wherever I have to.”
The Hague tribunal ruled last month that it has jurisdiction over the occupied West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem. The ruling 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 closest ally, the United States. Palestinians welcomed the ruling as an opportunity for justice for victims of Israeli attacks.
In an interview on Israel’s fortified border with Gaza, Gantz, who also owns Israel’s portfolio of justice, called the ruling a ‘negative development’, adding: ‘We have our own teams working in different (places) around the ICC). “
Gantz was the chief of staff of the army during a 2014 war between Israel and militants in Hamas-controlled Gaza. The ICC pointed out that the conflict is a possible problem to investigate.
Asked by Reuters how many Israelis, including himself, were expected to be arrested, the investigation would lead to criminal investigations, Gantz said: “I think a few hundred, but we will take care of everyone.”
Gantz calls it an “estimate,” and does not want to say whether Israel has compiled a list of officials. Israel will provide legal assistance to any implicated Israelis and will give them, if necessary, legal warnings about travel, Gantz said.
Asked if he could change his travel plans himself in the light of the ICC investigation, Gantz said: “So far no.”
(Written by Rami Ayyub; edited by Jeffrey Heller and Philippa Fletcher)