Josep Borrell, the outgoing European Union foreign policy chief, has called on EU member states to uphold the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) decisions, including the arrest warrant issued for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

In Brussels, Borrell emphasized the importance of respecting the ICC, describing it as a legal institution led by esteemed judges rather than a political body. “We cannot undermine the International Criminal Court. It is the only way of having global justice,” he stated.

The ICC recently issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu, former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and a Hamas leader killed earlier this year, citing alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Despite being signatories to the ICC’s founding treaty, EU member states are divided on enforcing the arrest warrant. France has claimed Netanyahu has immunity as Israel’s head of government, given that Israel is not a party to the ICC. Italy, meanwhile, stated it is not feasible to arrest Netanyahu while he serves as prime minister.

Borrell’s comments come as he nears the end of his term as the EU’s top diplomat. They underscore growing tensions within the EU between adhering to international legal obligations and managing the political complexities surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The debate highlights the challenges of applying ICC rulings in cases involving global leaders, with EU nations grappling with their roles in enforcing international justice while maintaining diplomatic relations.