Israel Strongly Criticizes ICC’s Arrest Warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant Regarding Gaza War Crimes

Israeli officials have expressed strong condemnation towards the International Criminal Court (ICC) for issuing arrest warrants against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes in the Gaza Strip, according to Anadolu Agency.

ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan filed the application for arrest warrants, targeting Netanyahu, Gallant, and three Hamas leaders. Khan stated that he has reasonable grounds to believe that Netanyahu and Gallant bear criminal responsibility for “war crimes and crimes against humanity” committed in the Gaza Strip since at least October 8.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz described the ICC application as a “historical disgrace that will be remembered forever” in a statement. He announced that his ministry will establish a specialized situation room dedicated to countering the decision, which he believes aims to restrict Israel’s ability to exercise its right to self-defense.

Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich accused the ICC of anti-Semitism, claiming that the application demonstrated “hypocrisy and hatred of Jews” similar to Nazi propaganda. Extremist National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called for disregarding the ICC’s actions against Netanyahu and Gallant and advocated for intensifying the offensive against Hamas in Gaza until their complete destruction.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid characterized the ICC’s decision as a “terrible political failure.”

Despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, Israel has continued its harsh offensive. Since last October, over 35,500 Palestinians, primarily women and children, have been killed, and more than 79,600 others have been injured following a Hamas attack.

After more than seven months of Israeli aggression, significant parts of Gaza lie in ruins, exacerbating the severe humanitarian crisis caused by the blockade, which restricts access to food, clean water, and medicine.

Israel is currently facing accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). In January, the ICJ issued an interim ruling ordering Israel to cease genocidal acts and take measures to ensure the provision of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza.