Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has urged the international community to defund and dismantle the International Criminal Court (ICC), following its application to issue arrest warrants for Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has vehemently criticized the International Criminal Court (ICC), calling for its defunding and dismantling following the court's application to issue arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Bennett expressed his disapproval of the ICC's actions, labeling them as "a political witch hunt against Israel." He emphasized the importance of defending Israeli soldiers and leaders from baseless accusations.
Bennett argued that the ICC's investigation into alleged war crimes committed during Israel's 2014 Gaza offensive is biased and politicized. He stressed that Israel's military operations are conducted in accordance with international law and that any accusations of wrongdoing should be addressed through Israel's own legal system.
The former Prime Minister pointed to the fact that the ICC has repeatedly targeted Israel while ignoring atrocities committed by other countries. This selectivity, he argued, undermines the court's credibility and its ability to serve as an impartial arbiter of international justice.
Bennett's remarks come amid growing concerns about the ICC's legitimacy and its potential impact on Israel's security. He highlighted the need for a comprehensive review of the court's mandate and operations to ensure that it does not become a tool for political manipulation.
The ICC's application for arrest warrants has sparked widespread condemnation from Israeli officials and citizens alike. Netanyahu has denounced the ICC as a "political body that has nothing to do with justice." Defense Minister Gallant has vowed to "fight with all our might" against the allegations.
Former Israeli ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, echoed Bennett's sentiments, describing the ICC's actions as "an attack on Israel and its right to defend itself." He called on the international community to reject the ICC's "biased and politically motivated investigation."
Bennett's call for defunding and dismantling the ICC has garnered support from other Israeli leaders and commentators. They argue that the court has overstepped its authority and has become a threat to Israel's sovereignty.
The Israeli government has consistently rejected the ICC's jurisdiction over its actions. It has maintained that the court lacks the legal authority to investigate allegations against Israel and that it will not cooperate with the investigation.
The ICC's investigation into alleged war crimes committed by Israel remains ongoing. The court has yet to issue any indictments, but the threat of prosecution continues to overshadow Israeli-Palestinian relations.
