ICC Moves Toward Arrest Warrants for 5 Senior Israeli Officials
The ICC may secretly issue arrest warrants for five top Israeli political and military leaders, a move following earlier public warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has decided in principle to request arrest warrants against five senior Israeli figures, including ministers and top military officers, Israeli officials confirmed Saturday.
According to reports, the acting prosecutor, Nazhat Shameem Khan, has advanced the process of seeking the warrants. Israel’s Foreign Ministry has already notified National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir that his name is among those targeted.
The five individuals reportedly include:
The ICC’s spokesperson denied claims that warrants had already been issued, describing such reports as “inaccurate.” However, the court confirmed that proceedings are continuing.
The move comes roughly 18 months after the ICC issued public arrest warrants against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
Unlike the previous public warrants, any new warrants against the five officials may be issued secretly to prevent the targets from taking evasive measures.
The latest development stems from the ICC’s long-running investigation, which has focused in part on Israeli settlement policy in Judea and Samaria, including funding and arming of settlements.
Israel strongly rejects the ICC’s jurisdiction and has dismissed the court’s actions as politically motivated and antisemitic. Israeli officials have vowed to continue fighting the warrants through diplomatic channels.