ICC Reportedly Seeks Arrest Warrant for Israeli Minister Bezalel Smotrich

Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said the International Criminal Court is seeking an arrest warrant against him, calling the move a “declaration of war” against Israel.

Speaking from his office in Jerusalem on Tuesday, Smotrich suggested that the reported warrant is linked to his strong support for the expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. He described settlement growth as a “revolution” and said the current Israeli government has approved more than 100 new settlements.

Smotrich stated that Israel is working to make the settlement project “irreversible” through planning, construction, and infrastructure development. He has repeatedly said his goal is to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state.

The ICC declined to comment directly, stating that applications for arrest warrants are confidential until judges determine whether to issue them.

In April, Israeli authorities reportedly approved more than 30 new settler outposts and farms in the West Bank, a move widely criticized by the international community. The United Nations and many countries consider Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories to be illegal under international law.

Smotrich also said that Israel would move to evacuate the Bedouin community of Khan al-Ahmar, which has long been targeted by Israeli right-wing groups.

According to Israeli officials, the ICC may also be considering warrants for Israel Katz and Itamar Ben-Gvir. Ben-Gvir said he was “not afraid or deterred” by the reports.

The development comes after the ICC issued arrest warrants in November 2024 for Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the conflict in Gaza. At the same time, the court also issued a warrant for Mohammed Deif.

The West Bank, captured by Israel in the 1967 war, remains at the center of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Palestinians seek the territory, along with East Jerusalem and Gaza, as part of a future independent state.

The reported move by the ICC is likely to intensify tensions between Israel and international legal institutions as global scrutiny over the conflict and settlement expansion continues.

Courtesy: CNN