The International Criminal Court’s recent request for a warrant to investigate alleged war crimes in the Palestinian territories has stirred up controversy and political tensions in Israel. However, rather than weakening Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s position, the move seems to have actually shored up his support among the Israeli public.
Netanyahu, who is currently facing a tough reelection campaign, has seized on the ICC’s request as a way to rally his base and paint himself as a strong defender of Israel’s security and sovereignty. In a recent statement, he condemned the ICC’s decision as “outrageous” and vowed to fight against what he called a “politically motivated attack on Israel.”
Netanyahu’s tough stance on the ICC’s request has resonated with many Israelis, who see the court as biased against their country and believe that it has no right to investigate alleged war crimes committed by Israeli soldiers or officials. In a recent poll, a majority of Israelis expressed support for Netanyahu’s handling of the situation, with some even praising him for standing up to what they see as international pressure and interference.
The ICC’s warrant request has also given Netanyahu an opportunity to shift the focus away from domestic issues, such as his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and corruption charges he is facing. By framing the ICC’s move as an attack on Israel’s security and sovereignty, Netanyahu has been able to rally his base and deflect attention from his own political troubles.
In addition, the ICC’s request has given Netanyahu a chance to showcase his strong relationships with international allies, particularly the United States. Both the Trump administration and President-elect Joe Biden have expressed support for Israel’s position, with Biden calling the ICC’s move “unwarranted” and promising to stand by Israel in its fight against the investigation.
Overall, the ICC’s warrant request has provided a boost to Netanyahu’s reelection campaign and helped solidify his support among the Israeli public. By presenting himself as a strong defender of Israel’s interests and security, Netanyahu has been able to shore up his political base and position himself as the best candidate to lead the country during these challenging times.