S. Korea's Lee Demands Arrest Warrant for Netanyahu

(MENAFN) South Korean President Lee Jae Myung called Wednesday for Seoul to weigh enforcing the International Criminal Court's arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while sharply condemning Israel's military seizure of a Gaza-bound aid vessel with South Korean nationals aboard.

Addressing a Cabinet meeting, Lee challenged the legal justification for intercepting the Global Sumud Flotilla, questioning — according to media— whether the ships had entered Israeli territorial waters or breached any recognized boundary.

"Almost all European countries have issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and announced plans to arrest him if he enters their territories. We should also consider this," he said.

The president did not hold back in his broader condemnation of Israel's conduct. "There are minimum international norms, and Israel is violating them all. They must adhere to principles; we have tolerated this for too long," he added.

He further pressed the legal case, stating: "What is the legal basis for Israel seizing or sinking ships, including those carrying our citizens, who are volunteering for Gaza? Isn't Israel's invasion and occupation of Gaza illegal under international law?"

National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac offered a cautious response, saying: "This requires scrutiny ... The conflict began with Hamas attacking Israel and killing nearly 2,000 people, leading Israel to impose military control over the region."

When Lee pressed further, asking whether Gaza constitutes Israeli territory, Wi replied: "It is not Israeli territory."

Lee followed with a pointed challenge: "Shouldn't we protest? Even during combat, can third-country ships be seized? This is a matter of basic common sense, not just law, right?"

Two South Korean citizens were among those aboard the vessels intercepted by the Israeli navy. The flotilla — comprising more than 50 boats — departed Thursday from the Turkish Mediterranean district of Marmaris in a renewed effort to break Israel's blockade on Gaza, in place since 2007.

Organizers confirmed 426 people participated in the mission, including 96 Turkish activists and nationals from 39 other countries — among them Germany, the US, Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Brazil, Algeria, Indonesia, Morocco, France, South Africa, the UK, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Canada, Egypt, Pakistan, Tunisia, Oman, and New Zealand.

This was not Israel's first strike on the convoy. Israeli forces previously attacked the Global Sumud aid flotilla off the coast of the Greek island of Crete overnight between April 29 and April 30.

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