FACTBOX - 3 most prominent remarks by former Israeli defense minister prompting ICC Gaza war crimes arrest warrants

By Mohammad Sio

ISTANBUL (AA) - Former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has made several statements during the war against the Gaza Strip that have triggered the International Criminal Court's (ICC) decision to seek arrest warrants against him.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired Gallant on Tuesday and replaced him with Foreign Minister Israel Katz, according to the Israeli Broadcasting Authority.

Anadolu collected the three most prominent remarks made by Gallant that have drawn international scrutiny and allegations of potential violations of international law:

- Total Gaza siege declaration

On Oct. 9, 2023, Gallant announced a “complete siege” on Gaza, saying: “There will be no electricity, no food, no water, no fuel. Everything is closed.”

A severe blockade has sparked international criticism, with concerns that it constitutes collective punishment, which is prohibited under international law.

- ‘Human animals’
In the same announcement, Gallant referred to Hamas militants as “human animals,” declaring: “We are fighting human animals, and we are acting accordingly.”

The language has been condemned for its dehumanizing tone, which could incite violence against civilians.

- 'Stone age' threat to Lebanon

In August 2023, Gallant warned of potential action against Hezbollah, stating that Israel could “return Lebanon to the Stone Age” if attacked.

That remark was interpreted as a threat to use disproportionate force against civilian infrastructure.

The statements have prompted the International Criminal Court (ICC) to seek arrest warrants against Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan said May 20 that he requested arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant for crimes against humanity and war crimes in Gaza.

Israel has continued a devastating offensive on Gaza since the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas, killing nearly 43,400 people and rendering the enclave almost uninhabitable.

Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in the blockaded enclave.