ED Lee's diplomatic overreach on Netanyahu
President Lee Jae Myung gestures during a Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday at the presidential office in Seoul. Yonhap
Again, every word from president carries significant consequences
President Lee Jae Myung reacted furiously to Israel’s interception and detention of two Korean activists aboard separate ships on a humanitarian mission bound for the Gaza Strip. Calling Israel’s actions “unlawful, excessive and inhumane,” Lee went further, suggesting that Korea should join countries calling for the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Lee’s emotional — perhaps even erratic and undiplomatic — rhetoric is expected to trigger another rift with Israel, following his resharing earlier this year of a social media post containing a video of Israeli soldiers that initially included an inaccurate caption.
During a livestreamed Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Lee pressed National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac to answer a series of pointed questions about the incident. Lee argued that Israel had unlawfully intercepted and detained aid workers from third countries, including Korea, in international waters.
“Is it fair for Israel to act like this?” Lee asked bluntly. Wi responded cautiously, saying the issue was more complicated than it appeared. Lee persisted, asking whether Israel was authorized to conduct a naval blockade in international waters and pressing the senior official to respond directly. “Is the Gaza Strip their territory?” Lee asked. Wi again avoided giving a direct answer, explaining that the issue was complex and noting that the latest escalation began after Hamas invaded Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing 1,195 people and taking 251 hostages.
Lee brought up the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for Netanyahu on charges of war crimes, saying he understood that “many countries” had indicated they would arrest the Israeli leader if he entered their territory. “Isn’t it time for us to consider joining those efforts?” Lee asked, directing Wi to review the matter as a possible policy option.
In 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and senior Israeli and Hamas figures over allegations of crimes against humanity and war crimes committed during the conflict triggered by Hamas’ attack on Israel. However, the ICC lacks enforcement power and cannot compel member states to carry out arrests. Whether those charged are detained ultimately depends on the political decisions of individual countries.
Lee’s remarks sparked controversy. It is highly unusual for a head of state to publicly express support for the arrest of a foreign leader, and such statements are widely regarded as diplomatically inappropriate.
The manner in which Lee handled the issue has also raised concerns. Korea’s position on the ICC warrant against Netanyahu is highly sensitive. Governments typically avoid discussing such matters publicly until internal deliberations and international consultations are complete. This time, however, Lee himself raised the issue during a Cabinet meeting that was being broadcast in real time.
Lee’s public exchange with his top security adviser was also problematic. By repeatedly pressing Wi for direct answers, Lee created the impression that the country’s top national security officials were not fully aligned on a critical foreign policy issue.
Lee also appeared to oversimplify the international response to the ICC warrant. Contrary to his suggestion that most countries support Netanyahu’s arrest, opinions remain sharply divided.
European nations, in particular, are split over the issue. Countries such as Belgium, Ireland, the Netherlands and Spain have indicated they would enforce the ICC warrant. However, France, Germany and several others have signaled reluctance, arguing that sitting heads of government may be entitled to immunity from prosecution. Their position is partly based on Article 98 of the Rome Statute, which states that the ICC cannot request an arrest if doing so would force a state to violate existing international immunity obligations.
In practice, however, many countries are reluctant to jeopardize their diplomatic relations with Israel. With long-standing ties with the Middle Eastern nation, they are wary of taking actions that could seriously damage bilateral relations.
Lee has been outspoken about Israel’s alleged human rights violations. Earlier this year, he drew criticism after resharing a social media post containing inaccurate information about an incident with Israeli soldiers throwing a body from a roof. Israel’s foreign ministry responded angrily, publicly rebutting the post.
At the same time, Lee has remained largely silent on other foreign leaders facing ICC charges. Before the ICC issued its warrants for Netanyahu, other Israeli officials and Hamas leaders, Russian President Vladimir Putin was also targeted by the court. The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Putin over alleged war crimes involving the unlawful deportation and transfer of children from Ukrainian territory during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Lee’s perceived double standard has left him open to criticism that he applies the principle of justice selectively.
Israel released the two Koreans a day after Lee took a hard line on the Middle Eastern country’s interception of the ships bound for Gaza. The presidential office welcomed their release but expressed regret over the Koreans being detained.