Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sharply criticized the International Criminal Court (ICC) following its prosecutor’s decision to seek arrest warrants against him and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, warning that the move could have far-reaching consequences for democratic nations worldwide.
Speaking in Jerusalem from 00:41, Netanyahu said the ICC’s action risks opening the floodgates to politically motivated prosecutions against democratic leaders and soldiers who fight terrorism. “This opens the door for false charges against the brave soldiers of Israel, the United States, and other democracies who fight the terrorists that wish to destroy Western civilization,” he declared.
The controversy centers on ICC prosecutor Karim Khan, who had initially expressed interest in visiting Israel to examine the country’s internal investigative mechanisms. Netanyahu noted that Khan had previously praised Israel’s judicial independence, which routinely reviews allegations of misconduct in military operations. Israeli officials had prepared for the visit, anticipating an opportunity to demonstrate transparency.
However, Netanyahu said the situation took a sudden and bewildering turn. “We were absolutely dumbfounded. We didn’t know what happened to make Khan suddenly change his mind. What made him cancel his visit to Israel to personally check the facts?” the prime minister asked. Instead of proceeding with his planned visit, Khan announced his intention to pursue arrest warrants against Israel’s top leadership, alleging war crimes.
The move has drawn outrage in Israel, where officials across party lines view the decision as a blow to the country’s sovereignty and legitimacy. Netanyahu argued that Israel, not being a member of the ICC, falls outside the court’s jurisdiction and that its judicial system is more than capable of handling such matters. He further suggested that the ICC’s intervention undermines the principle of complementarity, which grants priority to national courts.
Supporters of Netanyahu’s stance argue that the ICC’s decision not only threatens Israel but also sets a precedent that could jeopardize other democracies engaged in counterterrorism efforts. By equating democratically elected governments with terrorist organizations, they argue, the court risks delegitimizing lawful military operations designed to protect civilians.
Reactions abroad have been mixed. While human rights groups have welcomed the ICC prosecutor’s action as a step toward accountability, several Western governments have voiced concern. Critics worry the move could complicate peace negotiations, strain alliances, and embolden militant groups that view the ruling as international validation of their cause.
In Washington, some lawmakers expressed solidarity with Israel, echoing Netanyahu’s warning that U.S. forces might one day face similar legal challenges. Analysts say this fear resonates in other democracies that have deployed troops in conflict zones where civilian casualties have occurred.
Netanyahu vowed that Israel would continue to defend its citizens regardless of international pressure, calling the ICC’s actions a “grave miscarriage of justice.” He insisted that Israel would not be deterred from protecting itself against what he described as existential threats from terrorist groups.
