According to a report by the Jerusalem Post and quoted by commentators affiliated with Iran, the decision of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue an arrest warrant for the former Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of Israel is described as a “legal storm” that strongly affects Israel’s image in global public opinion .
Iranian analysts argue that Israel has long cultivated an image as “the sole developed Western democracy in the authoritarian Middle East” while presenting itself, particularly in Western nations, as a victim of anti-Semitism. However, they claim that the ongoing “Operation Iron Sword” has led to a sharp decline in support for Israel, causing significant damage to its international image. In contrast, the Palestinian narrative is gaining more traction, particularly in Western societies.
As a result, the arrest warrant creates a complex dilemma for Israel’s allies, who now face tough decisions regarding its enforcement. These include the potential for extradition, suspension of arms shipments, or even rethinking their support for Israel. According to Iranian commentators, the damage is already done, and “Netanyahu can no longer travel freely across the globe.”
Iran’s satisfaction with this development stems from its role in shaping the situation. Although there may not be direct evidence linking Iran to the ICC’s decision—owing to Iran’s expertise in covert and proxy operations—a closer examination of recent Iranian actions reveals its strategic involvement.
For instance, just two months before South Africa filed its complaint to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Iran’s foreign minister, standing alongside his South African counterpart in Tehran, called Nelson Mandela “a symbol of the struggle against apartheid” and emphasized that, in the present day, the world was witnessing the “genocide of the Israeli apartheid regime.”
This statement reflected the shared perspective between Iran and South Africa on the issue. The South African foreign minister also affirmed the alignment of their countries’ objectives and expressed a desire to strengthen economic ties with Iran.
