Israel Concerned About Possible ICC Arrest Warrants as Pressure Mounts Over War in Gaza

Israeli officials are growing increasingly concerned about the possibility of the International Criminal Court (ICC) issuing arrest warrants against the country’s leaders amidst mounting international pressure over its ongoing conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Recent Israeli airstrikes on Rafah, resulting in the deaths of at least 22 people, including women and children, have intensified global scrutiny. While the ICC has been investigating possible war crimes by both Israel and Palestinian militants since 2019, no warrants have been issued yet.

However, Israel’s Foreign Ministry has alerted Israeli missions about rumors of potential warrants against senior political and military officials, prompting Foreign Minister Israel Katz to express the expectation that the court would prevent such actions. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vehemently opposed any ICC attempts to undermine Israel’s right to self-defense, stressing that Israel will not accept any threats to its sovereignty. The conflict has caused immense civilian suffering, with thousands displaced and widespread destruction in Gaza, prompting urgent international calls for a cease-fire and humanitarian intervention.