Former Israeli PM Demands Defunding and Dismantling of ICC

Naftali Bennett, the former Prime Minister of Israel, has called for the defunding and dismantling of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in response to the court's application to issue arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has urged the defunding and dismantling of the International Criminal Court (ICC) following the court's application to issue arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Bennett condemned the ICC as a "political tool" and argued that it had overstepped its authority.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Bennett expressed his outrage over the ICC's actions, calling them "unwarranted" and "unjust." He accused the court of political bias and questioned its legitimacy in investigating Israel.

"The ICC has no jurisdiction over Israel, and it has no right to interfere in our affairs," Bennett said. "This is a political witch hunt, pure and simple."

The ICC's Prosecutor, Karim Khan, has applied for arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the 2014 Gaza conflict. The court's request is based on allegations that Israeli forces targeted civilians and committed disproportionate violence.

Israel has vehemently denied the ICC's allegations and has refused to cooperate with the investigation. The Israeli government maintains that its actions in Gaza were justified and that the ICC has no authority over Israel.

The ICC's application to arrest Netanyahu and Gallant has sparked international reaction, with some countries expressing support for the court's investigation and others criticizing it as politically motivated.

In a separate development, Norway has announced its recognition of an independent Palestinian state. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said the recognition was intended to promote peace between Israel and the Palestinians.

Ireland and Spain have also announced the recognition of a Palestinian state, while Slovenia and Malta have indicated their intention to do so. The European Union has generally supported a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Israeli forces have continued their offensive into Gaza, prompting a new exodus of thousands of civilians. The attacks are in response to Hamas's October 7th attack on Israel.

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's call for the defunding and dismantling of the ICC reflects Israel's strong rejection of the court's investigation and its accusations of war crimes. The ICC's application to arrest Netanyahu and Gallant has further strained relations between Israel and the international community, while the recognition of a Palestinian state by Norway and other European countries highlights the ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.