Andrzej Szejna clarified that state leaders do not have immunity from such warrants under international law.
In an interview with Poland’s state news agency PAP, Szejna reiterated Warsaw’s position: "Poland respects and will enforce the rulings of the International Criminal Court.”
He added that Netanyahu “knows what to expect” and is unlikely to visit any ICC member states where the warrant could be enforced.
Poland, he added, supports the ICC’s ongoing investigations into war crimes committed in Ukraine and recognizes its jurisdiction over individuals from non-member states if such crimes occur in member territories.
This includes countries such as Ukraine, which has accepted the ICC’s jurisdiction despite not being a party to the Rome Statute.
The ICC, based in The Hague, issued arrest warrants in November against Netanyahu, former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and senior Hamas commander Mohammed Deif.
The charges include war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the conflict in Gaza and the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel.
During a session of Poland’s parliamentary foreign affairs committee on Thursday, lawmakers pressed Szejna on whether Poland would respect these ICC warrants.
He responded that Poland, as one of the 124 countries party to the Rome Statute, is obligated to act on behalf of the ICC in enforcing its decisions.
Szejna emphasized that “the immunity and inviolability of a state leader, typically recognized in bilateral relations, do not apply in this case.”
He also affirmed Poland’s commitment to the ICC as a cornerstone of international criminal justice and rule-based international relations.
Israel, like the United States and Russia, has not ratified the Rome Statute and does not recognize the ICC’s authority.
In contrast, Palestine is a party to the treaty, enabling the ICC to investigate alleged crimes on Palestinian territories, including those under Israeli occupation, the PAP news agency reported.
(rt/gs)
Source: PAP