Spanish Court Orders Netanyahu 'Arrest Warrant' Over Gaza Flotilla Attacks

Spanish national court judge Jose de la Mata ordered the police and the civil guard to inform him if Netanyahu or the six other officials entered the country, as it could see the reopening of a case against them.

Along with Netanyahu, the other men included are former foreign minister Avigdor Leiberman, former defense minister Ehud Barak, former minister of strategic affairs Moshe Yaalon, former interior minister Eli Yishai, minister without portfolio Benny Begin and vice admiral Maron Eliezer, who was in charge of the Israeli Defense Force operation.

The case, put on hold by the Spanish judge last year, was initiated against the Israeli officials following an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) attack on the so-called Freedom Flotilla aid convoy in 2010.

It specifically relates to the main civilian vessel, the Mavi Marmara, which was part of a six-ship fleet trying to break through the Israeli blockade of Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid and constructions materials.

As the ship approached the Gaza coast, an IDF team stormed the vessel in a raid that eventually left 10 activists dead.

Many within the international community have accused Israel of being in breach of international law over the IDF’s actions during the incident, with the recent Spanish court decision meaning that Netanyahu, along with six other Israeli officials, could face charges if the case is reopened.

However Israeli foreign ministry spokesperson Emmanuel Nachshon told the Jerusalem Post that diplomatic efforts were being made to quash the court’s decision.

"We consider it to be a provocation. We are working with the Spanish authorities to get it cancelled. We hope it will be over soon."