According to reports, prosecutors at the International Criminal Court (ICC) have reportedly submitted a confidential request for an arrest warrant against Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in the occupied West Bank.
The report stated that the allegations include forced displacement of Palestinians, expansion of Israeli settlements, persecution, and apartheid-related charges. If judges approve the request, it could mark the first time the ICC issues an arrest warrant specifically tied to the crime of apartheid, according to the report.
Smotrich publicly reacted to the claims by accusing the ICC of political bias and rejecting its authority over Israel. He reportedly described the move as a “declaration of war” and vowed that Israel would not change its policies in response to international pressure.
The ICC has not officially confirmed the existence of a warrant request, citing confidentiality rules surrounding ongoing proceedings. Israel is not a member of the ICC and does not recognise the court’s jurisdiction.
