Former Israeli PM Demands Disbandment and Defunding of 'Disgraceful' ICC

Israeli ex-leader Naftali Bennett joins chorus of condemnation against International Criminal Court after prosecutor seeks arrest warrants for Israeli officials, accusing ICC of being a "shameful moment" and a "political tool" for Israel's enemies.

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has vehemently denounced the International Criminal Court (ICC) and called for its dismantling and defunding following a prosecutor's request for arrest warrants against high-ranking Israeli officials. Bennett labeled the ICC's actions a "disgraceful moment" and a "total joke," emphasizing that the court is targeting the leadership of a democracy fighting against a terrorist group.

Bennett asserted that the ICC is acting as a "political tool" for those who equate Israel with Hamas, a terrorist organization responsible for numerous atrocities against Israeli civilians. He vehemently rejected any suggestion of war crimes or crimes against humanity by Israel, maintaining that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) operate under a robust judicial system that thoroughly investigates and prosecutes any wrongdoing.

The former Prime Minister accused the ICC of ignoring Hamas's heinous crimes, including the burning of children and families, the rape of women, and the abduction of over 240 Israelis. He argued that such blatant disregard for the suffering inflicted by Hamas underscores the ICC's political motivation and its lack of impartiality.

Bennett emphasized that "no judge in their right mind" would consider issuing arrest warrants against Israeli officials given the absence of credible evidence. He reiterated that Israel has its own judicial system capable of handling any potential crimes committed by the IDF.

Former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant have both rejected the ICC's allegations as "fallacious" and reflective of the "new antisemitism." Bennett echoed these sentiments, describing the ICC's actions as "anti-Zionism, anti-Israel, antisemitism" that must be strongly resisted.

Israel's opposition leader Benny Gantz has also strongly criticized the ICC's announcement, labeling the prosecutor's request "a crime of historic proportion." US President Joe Biden has likewise rejected the ICC's efforts, reaffirming that the US does not endorse the court's position that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.

South Africa, which is a member of the ICC, has expressed support for the decision to seek arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Hamas leaders. However, the country is also facing a court case brought by Israel at the International Court of Justice for alleged genocide in Gaza.

The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin in connection with the invasion of Ukraine. The warrant has limited practical implications as Putin avoids traveling to countries that are signatories to the Rome Statute, which governs the ICC.

The possibility of arrest warrants for Israeli officials could create difficulties for their international travel. However, Israel is not a member of the ICC, and even if warrants are issued, the officials would not face immediate risk of prosecution.