The Czech Republic filed a petition with the International Criminal Court, requesting to be “a friend of the court” (amicus curiae) in deliberations that will examine if it has the jurisdiction to rule whether Israel committed war crimes against the Palestinians.
Although Israel tends not to formally take part in such deliberations, as its participation would be perceived as legitimising the ICC and its procedures, it has requested that a hearing be held to examine the ICC’s jurisdiction to probe its treatment of the Palestinians.
The Czech Republic thus requested to join these proceedings in favour of Israel alongside the Israel Bar Association, which made a similar approach.
However, the examination of the court’s jurisdiction on the matter was initiated at the bequest of ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda, not Israel.
Israeli officials said they welcomed the Czech Republic’s decision to join the deliberations, and that efforts were made on Israel’s part to promote the matter.
Germany may also join the proceedings ahead of the deadline to publish all pending petitions.
