Dr. Asmaa Selim
The Lebanese government has been noticeably and unjustifiably its failure to take action against Benjamin Netanyahu for his war crimes committed in both Lebanon and Gaza. Despite Israel’s repeated attacks on south Lebanon and in the Becka in addition to all parts of it including most recently massacres occurred in Kaframan and Al- Dawair in Nabatieh . The escalating criminal behavior of the occupation government led by Netanyahu, suspicious question arises: why hasn’t Lebanon taken so political and legal action before the international criminal court to prosecute war criminals specifically the enemy’s prime minister and the military leaders? This is particularly pertinent and appropriate since Netanyahu’s case remains active before the ICC due to his war crimes committed in Gaza. Lawsuit against Netanyahu could be based on the following grounds:: I. International legal basis, Lebanon is a member of the international criminal court ICC allowing it to legally demand an investigation into war crimes committed in its territory. The Geneva conventions and the UN charter applied to these crimes particularly regarding deliberate attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. II. Proposed legal- diplomatic measures A formal request provided from Lebanese government submitted straightforward to the prosecutor of ICC with supporting documents files including medical reports of the victims’ testimonies. Photos and videos of bombardments and report from global human rights organizations of HRW, and International amnesty,etc. Sovereign lawsuit before the ICJ to hold Israel as a state accountable because of violating the international laws potentially with a third party sponsorship if necessary action. Formation of an independent national investigation committee with a legal credibility to document such a brutal crimes according to the global standards. III. Addressing supplementary steps for Netanyahu’s legal corner Through request the international court to blockade warrant against him and Israeli military leaders, pressure to prevent his reception in ICC member stated in the court ( over than 120) states. Coordinate with supportive countries and international judicial bodies for legal and political backing of the file such as Ireland, Venezuela and south Africa, launch apparel international Media campaign to highlight the Lebanese victims’ narrative and expose Israel narrative regarding ongoing violations and crimes in addition to revealing the extent of their negligence and complicity.. IV strategic objective, this path aims not only to affirm individual condemnation but also the Lebanon’s legal right to deterrence and self- defense. To embarrass Israeli’s allies for creating legal precedents , strengthen Lebanon narrative in a worldwide forums by creating legal precedents for future aggression furthermore ,It shall prove its breaching the Geneva conventions and the UN charter as well.. Supporting steps to strengthen the file through request a support and assistance from neighboring countries and ICC member states to submit backing memoranda; leverage the international context increasingly holding Israel accountable for crimes committed against humanity in Gaza and Lebanon.. VI . internationally confining of Netanyahu, even without any immediate condemnation, Lebanon can request arrest warrants against Netanyahu and the occupation military leaders. Preventing them from paying a visit to the ICC member states in the court 123 states , disrupt their participation in the international conferences and apply political – symbolic pressure on the governments to reveal their double standards The Lebanese government’s neglect, represented by its Prime Minister and Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Justice, to take legal and international action against Israeli massacres in the South and Bekaa, can only be interpreted as political submission and alignment with American-Zionist projects, or as reflecting a political stance aimed at isolating the resistance and demonizing its supporters. This warrants national condemnation, legal accountability, and civil and popular action in defense of dignity, sovereignty, and victims’ rights, for these ministers and their prime minister. .last but not least , Lebanon has ultimately its actual legal tools but needs a brave political decision and institutional coordination between the ministers of justice, foreign affairs, and request the Parliament to send an official letter to the government explaining the reasons for not acting before the UN, Security Council, and the international courts , and Media support to break the barrier of the international silence.
