The People Power Party on the 21st criticized President Lee Jae-myung for mentioning the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant issued the previous day for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying, "It is the height of 'amateurism' that ignores the national interest for the president to take the lead and unleash emotional invective that seems willing to risk severing relations against a friendly nation with which we have even signed a free trade agreement (FTA)."
Choi Bo-yun, spokesperson for the Central Election Committee, issued a commentary the same day, saying, "At yesterday's Cabinet meeting, President Lee instructed officials to review measures to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu upon entry into the country," and added, "Beyond routine diplomatic efforts to ensure the safety of our citizens, for a head of state to discuss the arrest of another nation's leader at a publicly broadcast, live event is something rarely seen in the international community."
Choi said, "Enforcing an ICC arrest warrant is an area that requires high-level diplomatic judgment amid the harsh realities of international politics," and noted, "Ignoring this clear reality, the president—who last month posted a video on social media that did not align with the facts and triggered a diplomatic row—is once again tarnishing the nation's standing with an emotional response."
She continued, "Even more serious is this administration's deceptive double standard," adding, "Regarding the recent attack on our vessel Namuho in the Hormuz waters, the government has determined it was carried out by Iran, yet it is maintaining strict silence and a cautious stance, considering future relations."
She went on, "How will the international community view the contradictory posture of shrinking endlessly before Iran while talking about arresting the Israeli prime minister?" and criticized it as "nothing more than a shallow, ad hoc response that has lost both diplomatic principle and a sense of balance."
Choi stressed, "Israel's military actions, which face international criticism, and the safety of our citizens must be handled strictly based on the national interest," and added, "President Lee must immediately stop endangering the national interest with emotional remarks and shift to a sophisticated and responsible diplomatic stance."