Corruption, ICC warrant for war crimes and other charges: Benjamin Netanyahu and the complicated arrest question

Benjamin Netanyahu faces the ultimate test for power as Israel heads to the polls on October 27. The elections in Israel, which are the first to be held since the war in Gaza broke out in 2023, come as the prime minister faces a corruption trial, an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court and multiple wars.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, leader of the Likud party, speaks to supporters during a visit to Jerusalem's Mahane Yehuda Market as part of his election campaign early Friday (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)In the past three years, Israel has been at the forefront of at least four wars - Gaza Strip against Hamas, Lebanon against Hezbollah, Iran in 2025 and Iran again in 2026, but this time, alongside the United States.

Along with this and a corruption trial, the Israeli prime minister is eyeing a third consecutive term, and his fourth overall. With the polls set to begin today, a key question remains - Will 'Bibi' be able to preserve his political power?

And if he loses, can he be tried for the charges against him? The prime minister is on trial in three cases. These cases accuse Netanyahu of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. As per the Israel Policy Forum, the Israeli PM was indicted in the following cases - In 2020, then-Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit drew up a conflict-of-interest arrangement, barring Netanyahu from involvement in or influence over matters that would affect his trial.

These included appointments to law enforcement, the Supreme Court, and the Jerusalem District Court, introducing legislation that could affect proceedings, and influencing ministers and officials related to his trial. However, after returning to power with the Likud-led coalition, the Israeli Prime Minister launched a judicial overhaul intended to curb the judiciary's influence over public policy and lawmaking.

The overhaul, which also called for the limiting of the Supreme Court's powers for judicial review, led to mass nationwide protests and a general strike. Netanyahu's overhaul remains in a partial and contested state, as many of the key measures struck by the court, and with the start of the war in Gaza, the judicial overhaul took a backseat.

In December 2024, Netanyahu took the stand at Jerusalem District Court in the corruption case, and amid his trial, Israel also found itself engaged in two other wars - one in Lebanon against Hezbollah and the other against Iran with the US.

The prime minister has denied all charges against him and referred to the cases and indictment as a "witch hunt." Backing Netanyahu is US President Donald Trump, who has called for a pardon as Bibi is a "great hero, who has done so much" for Israel, and a "warrior".

Also Read | 'Vote for Bibi for PM': Trump renews pitch for Netanyahu On November 21, 2024, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu. The Israeli prime minister was accused of carrying out alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.

The charges against Netanyahu came in the midst of the allegations of Israeli genocide in Gaza, which escalated after a terror attack in southern Israel by the militant group Hamas, which killed around 1,200 people. Along with Netanyahu, a warrant was also issued for former defence minister Yoav Gallant Netanyahu has denied the charges against him and defined Israeli actions in the Palestinian territory as “acts of self-defence.” The charges filed by the Hague include use of starvation as a method of warfare, intentional targeting of civilians, murder, persecution and other inhumane acts.

The ICC also stated that Israel's blocking of humanitarian aid and food, and cutting electricity and water to Gaza, constituted crimes against humanity. Depsite a truce brokered by the US and President Donald Trump, Israel continues its operations in Gaza.

Since October 8, 2023, the death toll in the Palestinian territory stands at 74,498 people, based on information issued by the Palestinian health ministry in October 2026. However, the toll is expected to be higher than what has been recorded as attacks continue even three years later.