Afrasianet - Reactions continue to unfold after the International Criminal Court (ICC ) issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with several countries saying they would cooperate fully with the court, while Hungary defied the decision and invited Netanyahu to visit.
On Thursday, the court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu, former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant and Hamas military wing commander Mohammed Deif on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The following are the most prominent positions and reactions to the ICC decision:
Ireland
Prime Minister Simon Harris has stated that Dublin is ready to arrest the Israeli prime minister if he comes to Ireland.
Harris told national broadcaster RTE when asked if Ireland would arrest Netanyahu if he was in its territory for any reason: "Yes, definitely. "We support international tribunals and comply with their arrest warrants."
Slovenia
Prime Minister Robert Golub was quoted by Slovenia's STA news agency as saying Slovenia would comply with the ICC's arrest warrants "fully".
Germany
A government spokesman said Berlin would "carefully study its steps," noting that "details will only be available when Netanyahu and Galant's visit to Germany is expected."
He added that "Germany is one of the biggest supporters of the ICC," but stressed at the same time that "as a result of German history, we have unique ties and a great responsibility towards Israel."
Hungary
Prime Minister Viktor Orban, whose country holds the rotating presidency of the European Union, announced that he would invite Netanyahu to visit Hungary.
In an interview with state radio, he said: "We have no choice but to challenge this decision. Later today I will invite Netanyahu to come to Hungary where I can guarantee him that the ICC's decision will have no impact."
Italy
Defense Minister Guido Cruceto has confirmed that his country will have to arrest Netanyahu if he visits.
"The court is wrong, but we will have to arrest the Israeli prime minister if he visits us," Crosetto said.
United States
President Joe Biden called the ICC decision outrageous, saying, "Whatever evidence the court provides, Hamas and Israel cannot be equated."
Biden reiterated his country's position to stand by Israel in the face of what he called "threats to its security."
Hamas Movement
Ezzat al-Rishq, a member of the movement's political bureau, said the ICC's decision "restores respect for the values of justice and the protection of humanity, and whoever opposes it is a denier of the genocide in Gaza."
Al-Rishq called on all countries to cooperate with the court in bringing Netanyahu and Gallant in, saying that the United States' defense of them is "defending itself as a full accomplice to the crimes of genocide."
He stressed that the US position is "isolated, stands alone" in opposition to the court, and "expresses the arrogance of power and lack of respect for international humanitarian law."
Canada
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau affirmed his country's commitment to all international court regulations and rulings.
Britain
A spokesman for the prime minister said London respected the independence of the International Criminal Court.
France
The State Department affirmed its commitment to ensuring "the independent functioning of the International Criminal Court in accordance with theRome Statute."
The ministry said the arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Galant "are not a verdict, but a formalization of the accusation."
Netherlands
Foreign Minister Kasper Feldkamp has cancelled a visit to Israel following the ICC decision.
Reuters quoted Feldkamp as saying his country was ready to implement the court's decision.
Switzerland
A spokeswoman for the Justice Ministry and the Federal Police told Anadolu Agency that authorities are obliged to arrest Netanyahu and Galant as soon as they come to Switzerland.
On the other hand, a spokesman for the Federal Foreign Ministry said that "Switzerland respects the independence of the International Criminal Court, and does not comment on these decisions."
Cyprus
Cyprus, which has close ties to Israel, considers ICC arrest warrants binding in principle, a government source told Reuters.
The source, who asked not to be named, said: "The decision is under consideration, and we have no comment on that. In principle, ICC decisions are respected and binding."
China
Asked about the arrest warrants at a news conference, the Foreign Ministry spokesman said: "China hopes that the ICC will maintain an objective and fair position and exercise its powers in accordance with the law."
Iran
IRGC commander Hossein Salami described the ICC's decision as "the end and political death of the Zionist entity."
"It is an entity that today lives in absolute political isolation in the world, as its officials can no longer travel to other countries," he said in a speech broadcast on state television.
Senator Bernie Sanders
The independent US senator expressed support for the ICC decision, saying in a post on the X website that the accusations are well-founded, adding: "If the world does not comply with international law, we will descend into more barbarism."