Pandor questions delay in issuing Netanyahu arrest warrant

Pandor says she met with the ICC prosecutor at The Hague last week when the International Court of Justice delivered its interim judgement in South Africa's case against Israel.

Before approaching the ICJ, South Africa, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Comoros, and Djibouti wrote to the ICC, asking it to investigate Israel for war crimes amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Families of some of the Israelis taken hostage by Hamas during their October 7 attacks had also sought ICC action.

Pandor says she used the opportunity at The Hague to ask the ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan about the delay in issuing a warrant for Netanyahu.

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"We thought it was important to meet with the ICC since we were in The Hague last week. So, we met the President of the Council, as well as the prosecutor. While it is imperative that we don't interfere in the processes of independent organs, it is vital that we alert them of our concern at the slow pace of action on matters that we refer to as urgent matters.

“The prosecutor assured us that this matter is in hand and is being looked at by his office.

“He gave us an elaborate explanation as to personnel assignments and the work that the prosecutor is currently undertaking," said Pandor.

Pandor said the prosecutor couldn't provide a sufficient answer when asked about the difference in the treatment between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Netanyahu.

"He couldn't answer and didn't answer that question, but I read in some of what he said that the investigation is underway, and until their conclusion, he cannot pronounce on this matter.”