Netanyahu Heads to Washington Despite ICC Arrest Warrant

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has travelled to Washington despite an outstanding arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court (ICC), setting the stage for another high-level meeting with US President Donald Trump.

According to Israel’s official Arabic-language account on X, Netanyahu departed for Washington, DC, at Trump’s invitation. During the visit, the two leaders are expected to discuss bilateral relations between Israel and the United States, alongside a range of regional and international issues considered important to both countries.

The trip marks Netanyahu’s seventh meeting with Trump since the US president returned to office for a second term in January 2025. The frequency of their meetings has highlighted the close political relationship between the two leaders. Netanyahu is reported to have met Trump more often during his current presidency than any other world leader.

The visit comes amid continued international scrutiny over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and the legal proceedings surrounding alleged crimes committed during the conflict. In November 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes linked to Israel’s conduct in the Gaza war. Both Israel and the United States have rejected the court’s jurisdiction and criticised its actions against Israeli leaders.

The ICC, based in The Hague, is an independent international court established to prosecute individuals accused of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression. Its arrest warrants do not operate in the same way as domestic warrants, as the court has no independent police force and relies on member states to enforce its decisions. The practical consequences of a warrant therefore depend heavily on the cooperation of countries where a person may travel.

Netanyahu’s visit to Washington has also drawn criticism from some US political figures. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has called for the Israeli prime minister to be arrested over alleged war crimes. His remarks reflect the wider political divisions in the United States over Israel’s military operations in Gaza and Washington’s continuing support for its long-standing ally.

The meeting between Netanyahu and Trump is expected to attract considerable international attention, particularly as diplomatic efforts over the conflict in Gaza, the broader security situation in the Middle East and the future of US-Israel relations remain closely watched.

Netanyahu’s decision to travel to the United States despite the ICC warrant also underscores the continuing divide between the court’s legal position and the stance of countries that do not recognise its authority in the case. The outcome of the talks in Washington could therefore carry implications not only for the two countries’ bilateral ties but also for wider regional diplomacy.