Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Benny Gantz have begun reaching out to counterparts throughout Europe to galvanize support against the International Criminal Court (ICC) in its investigation into alleged war crimes, the Kan public broadcaster reported.
Netanyahu and Gantz have been stressing in their calls that the probe is biased against Israel, which they say has an independent legal system capable of prosecuting alleged crimes.
ICC Prosecutor General Fatou Bensouda announced on Wednesday that she will open an investigation into alleged war crimes committed by Israel in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank since 2014.
A probe will also be conducted into possible criminal actions committed by Hamas and armed Palestinian factions.
At first, Israel sought US support to foil the international investigation. However, Israel seeks to maintain talks with other countries including ICC members to inquire about their reaction if the court issued an arrest warrant against officials in Tel Aviv.
Israel’s plan is to protect its high-ranking officials in addition to its soldiers.
Israel hasn’t yet shown any cooperation with the court.
