Israeli minister Smotrich says ICC prosecutor seeking warrant for his arrest
Summary
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich says the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor is seeking a secret arrest warrant against him, but he has not been told the charges. The ICC has denied issuing new warrants recently, while Smotrich ordered the demolition of a Palestinian village in the West Bank following the news.Key Facts
- Bezalel Smotrich is Israel’s Finance Minister with influence over West Bank policies.
- He said the ICC prosecutor requested a secret arrest warrant for him, without specifying charges.
- The ICC said it had not issued new arrest warrants for Israeli officials at this time.
- Smotrich ordered the demolition of Khan al-Ahmar, a Palestinian Bedouin village in the West Bank.
- Israel’s Supreme Court approved evicting Khan al-Ahmar in 2018, but the order was delayed due to international warnings.
- In 2024, the UK and four Western countries sanctioned Smotrich over accusations of inciting violence against Palestinians.
- In November 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Gallant for alleged war crimes.
- The ICC also sought warrants for Hamas leaders, but they were killed before any could be issued.
- Israel is not a member of the ICC and opposes its authority over Israeli actions.
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