President Lee Jae-myung on the 20th called Israel's detention of Koreans aboard an international relief ship "far too inhumane and way over the line." He also said of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, "Isn't he recognized as a war criminal by the International Criminal Court (ICC) with an arrest warrant issued?" and proposed reviewing a plan to arrest Netanyahu if he enters Korea.
Presiding over a cabinet meeting at Cheong Wa Dae that day, President Lee asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about the circumstances of the international relief ship bound for the Palestinian Gaza Strip that was seized by Israeli forces. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a relief ship carrying human rights activists Kim Dong-hyun and Kim Ah-hyun was detained by Israeli forces in the early hours of the 18th and the 20th, respectively.
President Lee said, "I hear Israel is seizing or even sinking ships, including those carrying our nationals who say they are going to Gaza to volunteer. What is the legal basis?" He added, "Isn't it, under international law, an illegal incursion and invasion of Gaza by Israel?" Wi Sung-lac, chief of the Cheong Wa Dae Office of National Security, said, "We need to examine that," adding, "The incident was triggered by Hamas attacking Israel and killing nearly 2,000 people, so Israel is imposing military control toward that area."
President Lee repeatedly pressed whether the Gaza Strip is Israeli territory and then said, "Is that their land? Is it Israeli territorial waters?" When the chief replied, "It is not Israeli territory," Lee said, "Then shouldn't we protest?" and added, "If there is an armed conflict, can they seize a third country's ship? Beyond laws and whatnot, this is basic common sense, and this is also an issue about the 'line,' isn't it?"
The chief said, "It is a bit complicated regarding those who were seized," adding, "Previously, we told them not to enter because Gaza is a no-entry area, but they entered." President Lee responded, "Not following government policy and recommendations is our internal issue, but isn't it true that our citizens were taken for reasons that are not justified under international law?" He added, "From my view, it is far too severe and inhumane."
He continued, "Right now, almost all European countries have issued arrest warrants for (Prime Minister Netanyahu) and announced that they will arrest him if he enters their countries," adding, "From what I see, the number is quite large, so let's make our own assessment." He also said, "There are what we call minimum international norms, but (Israel) is violating them all," and added, "Follow the principles. We have exercised too much patience until now."