Israeli media outlet YNet reportedly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has cancelled plans to attend Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration in the Vatican due to concerns about possible arrests related to a pending warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The decision followed behind-the-scenes enquiries made by the occupation regime with both Italian and Vatican officials to assess whether Netanyahu could enter the country without facing detention. However, the responses from both parties were reportedly vague, and it remained unclear whether Netanyahu would comply with the ICC warrant once he stepped into the soil.
Faced with uncertainty over legal immunity, the Prime Minister’s Office ultimately chose to cancel the visit to avoid arrest or diplomatic embarrassment.
The ICC’s arrest warrant has not been publicly confirmed by the court, but is presumed to be related to war crimes committed by the Israeli occupation regime of Gaza and other Palestinian territories.
This marks yet another set-off for Netanyahu on the international stage as legal challenges continue to grow amid growing global rage over the ongoing war with Gaza and seeking accountability from international organizations.