Israeli domestic security service Shin Bet recalled Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki’s VIP status when he returned to the West Bank from Jordan today, Israeli officials said.
Why it matters: According to officials, the unusual act was retaliation for al-Maliki’s campaign for an investigation against Israel in the International Criminal Court. The map provides easier access and access to the West Bank and at border crossings.
- This is the first time that Israel has approved a Palestinian official since the decision of an ICC prosecutor to investigate the situation in the West Bank and Gaza.
- The Israeli government has worked for years to avoid any ICC ruling against its actions in the West Bank or Gaza Strip.
Send the news: Al-Maliki and his assistants were presented by Shin Bet as 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- Israeli officials say al-Maliki’s VIP status, issued by the Israeli government, has been revoked this time and could be withdrawn if al-Maliki continues his actions.
Between the lines: Al-Maliki was back after a visit to The Hague, during which he met with Fatou Bensouda, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court.
- According to a statement by his office, al-Maliki asked the prosecutor to speed up the investigation against Israel, which she announced a few weeks ago.
- Al-Maliki told the prosecutor that the Palestinians supported the work of the ICC and would cooperate with the court and its staff regarding the investigation.
What they say: A senior Israeli official told Axios Al-Maliki that he was at the forefront of Palestinian action in the ICC that was intended to infringe on the freedom of movement of Israeli officials and threaten their security.
- “Such actions are in line with the current relationship between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. That is why we have decided that there is no reason for Al-Maliki to enjoy privileges when he goes through border crossings, ”the official said.
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that it would notify several of its partners around the world of the Israeli sanctions.
- “This proves that Israel is a vengeful country that cannot legally solve its problems and must use threats and sanctions,” the statement said.
Behind the scenes: Israeli officials told Netanyahu’s Prime Minister Benjamin Axany.
- It was one of a series of retaliatory steps that Israel will take against the Palestinians for their actions in launching an investigation.
- One week ago, the director of Shin Bet met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah and stressed that the Palestinian movements in the ICC had crossed the line and warned against retaliation.
The state of affairs: The ICC prosecutor sent a formal letter to Israel and the Palestinians two weeks ago announcing the investigation. Both parties have 30 days to respond and tell the prosecutor whether they want to hold their own investigation before the ICC weighs in.