President Lee Says He Will Consider Netanyahu Arrest Warrant

On the 20th, President Lee Jae-myung raised the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in connection with Israel's seizure of a ship bound for the Gaza Strip and the detention of South Korean nationals, saying, "Let's make our own judgment."
At the 22nd State Council of South Korea meeting and 9th Emergency Economic Review Meeting held that day at Cheong Wa Dae, Lee said, "Isn't there an arrest warrant currently issued for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu?"
Referring to Israel's seizure of a third-country vessel heading to the Gaza Strip and the arrest of its crew, Lee asked, "Is that Israeli territory? It is not Israeli territorial waters, is it?" Wi Sung-lac, director of the Office of National Security, replied, "It is neither territorial waters nor territory," but added that "Israel is carrying out military operations toward the area and exercising military control there."
Lee said, "If there is a conflict, can you seize a third-country vessel and take people away?" He added, "Shouldn't there be some basic common sense? This is also a matter of boundaries."
Lee then brought up the ICC arrest warrant for Netanyahu. When Lee asked, "Hasn't an arrest warrant already been issued because he is being recognized for war crimes?" Wi replied, "There is an arrest warrant."
The ICC issued arrest warrants in 2024 for Netanyahu and former Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the Gaza Strip war.
Lee said, "Didn't many European countries announce that they would arrest Netanyahu if he entered their territory after the warrant was issued?" He added, "Let's make our own judgment." When Wi said, "We will review it," Lee responded, "Do it according to principle. We have been too patient."
west@fnnews.com Seong Seok-woo Reporter