Department of Research, Studies and International News 10-01-2025

Poland’s Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, has reassured that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not face arrest during his visit to Poland, despite an active arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against him. This guarantee comes as Poland prepares to host an important commemoration marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp later this month.

In a formal resolution, the Polish government declared its commitment to ensuring the safe attendance of Israeli leaders at the January 27, 2025, event. The resolution emphasized the significance of honoring the Jewish victims of the Holocaust and preserving the historical memory of atrocities committed by Nazi Germany. It explicitly mentioned that Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, would not be detained during their stay in Poland.

Speaking to reporters, Tusk stated, “Whether it is the prime minister, the president, or the minister of education from Israel, all attendees coming to Auschwitz for this commemorative occasion will be guaranteed safety and immunity from detention.”

The ICC, in November, issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu, his former defense minister Yoav Gallant, and senior Hamas commander Mohammed Deif, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The warrants have provoked strong objections from Israel, which has maintained that its military actions were in self-defense following Hamas’s attacks on October 7, 2023.

Although Poland is a member of the ICC and is technically obligated to detain individuals facing its arrest warrants, the court lacks mechanisms to enforce such actions. Furthermore, Israel’s non-membership in the ICC allows it to reject the court’s jurisdiction over its actions.

Debate Over Netanyahu’s Attendance

Uncertainty surrounds whether Netanyahu will personally attend the Auschwitz commemoration. According to Bloomberg, Polish President Andrzej Duda recently wrote to Prime Minister Tusk, urging that Netanyahu be permitted to participate without hindrance due to the exceptional nature of the event.

Malgorzata Paprocka, an aide to President Duda, affirmed this stance, stating, “Given the historical significance of Auschwitz, it is imperative that every representative of the Israeli government has the opportunity to be present at this unique commemoration.”

For now, Israeli authorities have indicated that the country’s education minister will represent Israel at the event. Netanyahu has not yet announced his decision regarding attendance, though he has participated in previous anniversary commemorations at Auschwitz.

Auschwitz-Birkenau: A Site of Profound Tragedy

Auschwitz-Birkenau, located in the Polish town of Oświęcim, serves as a somber reminder of the Holocaust. Established by Nazi Germany during World War II, the camp was the site of immense suffering, where over 1.1 million people—predominantly Jewish men, women, and children—perished in gas chambers, or succumbed to starvation, disease, and brutal conditions.

As the 80th anniversary of its liberation approaches, the commemoration stands as a vital occasion for remembering the victims and reaffirming global commitments to combating antisemitism and genocide.