Netanyahu Rejects ICC Authority, Citing Concerns over Right to Defense

The Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, declared on Friday that his government will never recognize the authority of the International Criminal Court (ICC). He accused the ICC of attempting to undermine Israel’s right to self-defense by potentially ordering the arrest of Israeli soldiers and ministers. Netanyahu stated that the threat against IDF soldiers and public figures in Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East and the only Jewish state in the world, is unacceptable.

In a message posted on his Telegram account, Netanyahu emphasized that Israel will continue to defend itself in its war against terrorists who seek to destroy the country. He made it clear that ICC decisions will not impact Israel’s actions, but they could set a dangerous precedent for the soldiers and public figures of all democracies fighting against terrorism and aggression.

Last week, Israeli media reported that Netanyahu’s cabinet convened an emergency meeting in response to the possibility of the ICC launching an investigation and issuing arrest warrants against Israeli soldiers and ministers for alleged violations of international law in Gaza. Netanyahu reiterated his government’s stance on defending Israel’s actions and denounced the ICC’s interference in the country’s affairs.