NOS news•today, 1:56 PM•Changed today, 2:24 p.m
The Netherlands respects the decision of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. If he lands on Dutch soil, he will be arrested, said Foreign Minister Veldkamp in the House of Representatives.
The Netherlands will also not establish ‘unnecessary’ ties with Netanyahu. The same goes for former Israeli Defense Minister Gallant and Hamas leader al-Masri, also known as Deif. Also against them arrest warrants are issued.
“The Netherlands implements the Rome Statute 100 percent,” said the minister. This legislation governs the establishment of the ICC, which is based in The Hague, and how the co- his decisions.
It is unlikely that Netanyahu or any of the other suspects will set foot on Dutch soil anytime soon. Veldkamp plans to visit the Middle East soon.
Wild for Israel
PVV leader Wilders also wants to travel to Israel next month, including a visit to illegal Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories. As for Veldkamp, that trip is against government policy. But he cannot tell MPs what they can or cannot do.
It is not yet clear what effect the ICC ruling will have on the planned visits by Veldkamp and Wilders. In the debate about his ministry’s budget, Veldkamp emphasized that there is a difference between necessary and unnecessary connections, although it is not clear where exactly the limit is. If an essential discussion is needed, he will discuss it in the Council of Ministers first.
The left-wing opposition parties believe that it is not appropriate for Veldkamp, or other members of the Dutch cabinet, to shake hands with the Israeli Prime Minister yet.
2024-11-21 12:56:00
#arrest #Netanyahu #Holland
* **How do you think the Dutch government’s decision to cooperate with the ICC’s arrest warrant for Netanyahu will affect its relationship with Israel, considering Israel’s history of resistance to international legal bodies?** [[1](https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/05/1149966)]
## Open-Ended Discussion Questions for the Article on Netanyahu’s Arrest Warrant:
**The Hague & International Law:**
* How should the Netherlands balance its commitment to international law with its diplomatic relationships with countries like Israel?
* What are the potential consequences for international relations if a country consistently refuses to cooperate with the ICC?
* Does the ICC’s decision set a precedent for other world leaders facing similar allegations? What does this mean for international justice?
**Dutch Politics & Diplomacy:**
* What are the potential domestic political ramifications for the Dutch government’s stance on the ICC arrest warrant for Netanyahu?
* How should the Dutch government balance its commitment to human rights with its pragmatic diplomatic interests in the Middle East?
* What is the significance of Wilders’ planned visit to Israeli settlements, and how might it complicate the Dutch government’s position?
**Israel-Palestine Conflict:**
* How does this situation reflect the ongoing complexities of the Israel-Palestine conflict?
* What are the possible impacts on the peace process, if any, given the ICC’s decision and the Dutch government’s response?
**Public Perception & International Opinion:**
* How might the Dutch public react to the government’s stance on the arrest warrant?
* How do you think the international community will perceive the Netherlands’ actions in this case?
**Thematic Sections for Interview:**
1. **The ICC and International Law:** Focus on the role of the ICC, its powers, and the implications of the arrest warrant for Netanyahu.
2. **Dutch Government’s Position:** Explore the reasoning behind the Dutch government’s decision, its commitment to international law, and potential ramifications for its relationship with Israel.
3. **Geopolitical Impact:** Discuss the potential impact on the Middle East peace process, regional stability, and international relations.
4. **Human Rights and Diplomacy:** Analyze the balance between upholding human rights and maintaining diplomatic channels with countries facing accusations of human rights violations.
5. **Public Opinion and Media Coverage:** Examine how this issue is being portrayed in the media and the potential influence on public opinion in the Netherlands and internationally.
Remember, these are just starting points. Encourage your speakers to elaborate on their points of view, share personal experiences, and delve deeper into the complexities of this multifaceted issue.