An exception was made for Netanyahu: Duda answered whether Poland would “let” Putin through

An exception was made for Netanyahu: Duda answered whether Poland would “let” Putin in Irina Chebotnikova

On January 27, 1945, the concentration camp in Auschwitz (German name – Auschwitz) ceased to exist. Anatoly Shapiro, a Poltava resident of Jewish descent, was the first to open the camp gates. Europe is preparing to mark the date, but there is controversy over Netanyahu's arrival.

In November, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu. It was known that the Israeli prime minister would come to Poland for the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, so the country promised to arrest him. But then they changed their minds. The details are reported by 24 Kanal, citing Andrzej Duda's interview with the Jerusalem Post.

Why Netanyahu will not be arrested on the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz

Journalists noted that Netanyahu had no intention of visiting Auschwitz. But the headlines in the press inflamed the situation between the countries, so Duda intervened. The Polish president asked that Netanyahu not be arrested during the visit.

Duda emphasized that when he participated in the commemorative events five years ago, about 200 Holocaust survivors came to Auschwitz. This year, there will be only 50. Therefore, it is important to hear their testimonies in order to preserve the fundamental values ​​of humanity. Incidentally, International Holocaust Remembrance Day is also on January 27.

The invitation to take part in the commemoration was sent by the Auschwitz Museum, and it is an open invitation to everyone. (…) The invitation was sent to the Israeli authorities, as well as to all Jews around the world. Every person for whom the memory of the Holocaust is important can attend and meet the last survivors, Duda explained.

Actually, this is why an exception was made for Netanyahu. According to Duda, “the Israeli authorities are the heirs of the memory of the Holocaust, and Poland is the custodian of this memory.” Therefore, every Jew who wants to come to Poland on this day can freely do so.

But it is inappropriate to compare this situation with the possible arrest of Putin. As is known, countries must arrest Putin as a criminal if he comes anywhere. However, for example, Mongolia did not do this, which sparked a discussion about the rule of law in the world.

Why the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu

On May 20, 2024, the ICC requested an arrest warrant for Netanyahu, Galant and Hamas leaders. Netanyahu is suspected of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip. Then the ICC gave the prime minister time.

But on November 21, an arrest warrant was issued for him.

That is why it was said that Netanyahu would not come, and the Israeli delegation would be headed by the Minister of Education. However, Poland met him halfway. Duda addressed a letter to the government, Tusk agreed.

“Ensuring the participation of Israeli leaders in the celebrations on January 27, 2025 is considered by the Polish government as part of the expression of respect for the Jewish people, millions of whose daughters and sons became victims of the Holocaust perpetrated by the Third Reich,” the Polish government decree said.

It is interesting that on January 13, information appeared that Netanyahu was not going to Auschwitz. And all the media reports were a “media provocation.”