President of Poland Andrzej Duda has reached out to his country’s government with a letter, requesting that they «protect» Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from a potential arrest under the International Criminal Court (ICC) indictment, in the event that he visits Poland for the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp in Oświęcim. This was reported by Bloomberg on January 8th, citing sources.
The ICC has recently announced its intention to investigate alleged war crimes committed by Israel in the occupied Palestinian territories. This has sparked concerns that Israeli officials, including Netanyahu, could potentially face arrest and prosecution by the court.
In his letter, Duda expressed his deep concern over the possibility of Netanyahu facing legal consequences during his visit to Poland, a country that was deeply affected by the atrocities of the Holocaust. Duda stressed the importance of the Israeli Prime Minister’s presence at the commemoration event, stating that «Netanyahu’s presence would only strengthen the message of remembrance and serve as a reminder of the horrors of the past.»
The Polish President emphasized the close ties between Israel and Poland, stating that it is a «sacred duty» for Poland to ensure the safety and well-being of its guests, especially during such a significant event. Duda also underlined the shared commitment of Poland and Israel to combat crimes against humanity and uphold human rights.
The 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, one of the most notorious Nazi concentration camps, is a highly significant event for both Poland and Israel. It marks the end of one of the darkest chapters in human history and serves as a stark reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust.
The letter from President Duda has been met with positive responses from both Israeli and Polish officials. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz welcomed the gesture, stating that it is a reflection of the strong bond between the two countries.
Netanyahu’s visit to Poland has not been confirmed yet, but the Israeli Prime Minister has shown interest in attending the event. It is expected that he will make a decision after consulting with his legal team regarding the ICC indictment.
The ICC’s decision to investigate alleged war crimes by Israel has been met with mixed reactions. While Palestinian leaders and human rights groups have welcomed the move, Israel has condemned it, calling it a «politically motivated» attack on the country.
Many have criticized the ICC for targeting Israel while ignoring other countries where human rights violations are rampant. However, the ICC maintains its jurisdiction over all 123 member states, regardless of their political or economic status.
The Polish government has also expressed its opposition to the ICC’s investigation into Israel, stating that it undermines the court’s credibility and its ability to promote justice and peace. Poland’s Deputy Foreign Minister Pawel Jablonski has called for a «balanced approach» in addressing the conflict between Israel and Palestine.
In the past, Poland has shown strong support for Israel and has worked towards improving bilateral relations between the two countries. In 1990, Poland became one of the first countries to recognize Israel as an independent state, and the two countries have since strengthened their ties through various cultural, economic, and political exchanges.
In conclusion, President Duda’s letter to the Polish government serves as a reminder of the strong relationship between Poland and Israel and the shared commitment to promoting human rights and combatting crimes against humanity. It also highlights the significance of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz and the need to remember the victims of the Holocaust. While the ICC’s investigation into Israel’s actions may have sparked controversy, it is crucial for all countries to uphold the principles of justice and accountability.
