Poland's President Andrzej Duda has requested the Polish government to ensure that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu can attend the 80th-anniversary observances of the liberation of Auschwitz without the risk of being arrested. This request comes in light of an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Netanyahu and others for alleged crimes against humanity during the Gaza war.
There have been concerns that the ICC warrant could prevent Netanyahu from traveling to Poland for the Auschwitz liberation anniversary on January 27. While Poland, as an ICC member, is required to detain suspects with warrants on its soil, the court lacks enforcement mechanisms. Israel, not a member of the ICC, disputes its jurisdiction.
Several ICC member states, including France, have indicated they would not arrest Netanyahu. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán even stated he would defy the warrant by inviting Netanyahu to Hungary. However, it remains uncertain if Netanyahu intends to attend the event.
The Polish Foreign Ministry clarified that it has not received confirmation of Netanyahu's attendance and assured that any leader visiting Poland is entitled to protection by the Ministry of the Interior. The ministry dismissed claims of Netanyahu's potential arrest in Poland as 'fake news' circulating in U.S. media.
The Auschwitz commemoration in Oswiecim will host international officials and survivors. Oswiecim was under German occupation during WWII, housing the infamous Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp where over 1.1 million people, mostly Jewish, were murdered.
President Duda's aide, Malgorzata Paprocka, emphasized that all Israeli officials and citizens should have the right to participate in the anniversary events. Duda has urged Prime Minister Donald Tusk's government to ensure Netanyahu's protection during his potential stay in Poland. The request was reportedly sent to Tusk via letter, with Duda's office awaiting a response.
