Smotrich Slams ICC Arrest Warrant as ‘Declaration of War’

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on Tuesday slammed reports that the International Criminal Court is seeking a sealed arrest warrant against him, calling the move a “declaration of war” and rejecting the court’s authority.

Smotrich said the reported request is part of an attempt to impose what he described as “security suicide” on Israel, and vowed that the country would not accept “hypocritical dictates” from what he called a biased international body.

In response, he said he would move forward with plans to evacuate Khan al-Ahmar, a Bedouin encampment east of Jerusalem long at the center of legal disputes, adding that further steps could follow.

The remarks came after a report that ICC prosecutors filed a confidential application in April seeking a warrant over alleged war crimes tied to Israeli policy in Judea and Samaria. The ICC has denied issuing any new warrants, noting that such applications are handled under seal and do not indicate judicial approval.