Norway Vows to Arrest Netanyahu if He Sets Foot in the Country

Darwin, August 16 | International Desk

In a bold stance against what it calls genocidal aggression in Gaza, Norway has announced that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be arrested immediately upon entering Norwegian territory.

According to a report published by Middle East Monitor on Wednesday, the decision follows the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) issuance of an arrest warrant for Netanyahu on November 21, 2024, on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Kravik stated that Norway is legally obligated as an ICC member state to enforce the court’s rulings.

“If Netanyahu sets foot in Norway, he will be arrested. This reflects our unwavering commitment to international law,” Kravik said.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide added that the ICC plays a crucial role in ensuring accountability for grave crimes, emphasizing Norway’s support for the court’s mission.

Warrant Against Netanyahu and Others

In May 2024, ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan requested arrest warrants for Netanyahu, then Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and three senior Hamas leaders. The ICC granted those requests in November.

Netanyahu condemned the ICC’s decision, calling it “antisemitic” and politically motivated, while Gallant criticized the move for equating Israel with Hamas.

Broader International Backing for ICC Ruling

Norway joins a growing list of countries—including Austria, Ireland, the Netherlands, Lithuania, Jordan, Belgium, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland—that have pledged to enforce the ICC’s warrant.

Canada’s then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also expressed his country’s commitment to upholding international law and respecting all decisions by the ICC.

In contrast, the United States condemned the arrest warrants and responded by imposing sanctions on the ICC.

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