Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that his government will never recognize the authority of the International Criminal Court (ICC) after accusing it of attempting to undermine Israel’s right to self-defense. He stated that the threat against IDF soldiers and public figures in Israel, a democracy in the Middle East and the only Jewish state in the world, is unacceptable.
Netanyahu emphasized that Israel will continue to defend itself in its war against terrorists who seek to destroy the country. He made it clear that ICC decisions would not impact Israel’s actions but could set a dangerous precedent for the soldiers and public figures of all democracies fighting against terrorism and aggression.
Last week, Israeli media reported that Netanyahu’s cabinet convened an emergency meeting in response to the possibility of the ICC launching an investigation and issuing arrest warrants against Israeli soldiers and ministers for alleged violations of international law in Gaza. Netanyahu reiterated his government’s stance on defending Israel’s actions and denounced the ICC’s interference in the country’s affairs.
