Poland: Activists demand arrest of Israel minister

Activists and human rights groups in Poland have submitted a request to authorities in Warsaw seeking the arrest of Israeli Education Minister Yoav Kisch during his visit to the country.

Yesterday Israeli Public Broadcaster (KAN) reported that a complaint was submitted to the Warsaw Public Prosecutor’s Office calling for the minister’s detention.

According to KAN, Kisch arrived in Poland over the weekend to participate in events marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opted not to attend the commemoration.

The complainants allege that Kisch, who previously served as a fighter pilot in the Israeli occupation army, bears responsibility for “war crimes” committed by the Israeli government.

The broadcaster also noted that the same individuals filed similar complaints against Netanyahu and former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, citing arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). This comes after the Polish government announced that it would not detain senior Israeli officials wanted by the ICC who attend the Auschwitz memorial event.

Responding to the accusations, Kisch said: “I am in Poland to represent the State of Israel at the ceremony marking 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz. Here, I will emphasise to world leaders our commitment to memory and the lessons of history.”

“The Palestinian attempts to spread lies and distort reality will not deter me from presenting the truth: the State of Israel will continue to defend its citizens against murderous terror and steadfastly fight for its right to security,” he added.

The main ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Auschwitz camp today.

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