Poland President Andrzej Duda is urging his government to ensure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu can attend the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz's liberation later this month without risk of detention, a presidential aide confirmed on Thursday.
According to his spokesperson Malgorzata Paprocka, Duda has formally requested that Poland's government under Prime Minister Donald Tusk ensure Netanyahu's safety during the event.
Why It Matters
Netanyahu, who is currently facing an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) over alleged war crimes related to the 15-month war in Gaza, has become an internationally wanted figure.
The ICC's arrest warrant accuses him and others of committing crimes against humanity during the war.
Why is There an Arrest Warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu?
Under ICC rules, member countries are obligated to detain individuals who are subject to arrest warrants if they enter their territory.
Poland, as a signatory to the ICC, would normally be required to arrest Netanyahu if he arrives in the country.
However, Israel is not a member of the ICC and disputes the court's jurisdiction.
What to Know
Reports have raised concerns that this warrant could prevent Netanyahu from traveling to Poland to participate in the observances marking the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau by Soviet forces on January 27, 1945.
While over 120 countries are members of the ICC, some nations have signaled they will not act on the warrant.
France has stated that it would not arrest Netanyahu, while Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has pledged to defy the ICC's order, openly inviting Netanyahu to Hungary.
The upcoming commemoration will be attended by international dignitaries and elderly Holocaust survivors.
It will take place in Oswiecim, the Polish town that was the site of the infamous Nazi death camp, where more than 1.1 million people—primarily Jews, but also Poles, Roma, Soviet prisoners of war, and others—were murdered.
Will Poland Arrest Benjamin Netanyahu if He Enters the Country?
Duda's request, sent by letter to Tusk, stresses that all Israeli officials and citizens should have the right to attend the anniversary commemorations.
Paprocka emphasized that the authority to guarantee Netanyahu's protection lies with Tusk's administration.
Bloomberg News first reported Duda's formal appeal to Tusk, though Paprocka indicated that the President is still awaiting a response.
What People Are Saying
A spokesperson at the Polish Foreign Ministry said: "Poland is a safe country, and any leader visiting Poland is entitled to protection granted by the Ministry of the Interior."
What Happens Now
It remains unclear whether Netanyahu plans to attend the Auschwitz commemoration.
Poland's Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that it had not received any official confirmation of Netanyahu's attendance.
This article contains additional reporting from The Associated Press.
English (US) ·