Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has strongly condemned the International Criminal Court (ICC) for seeking arrest warrants against Israeli officials, urging the defunding and dismantling of the court.
Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has joined a chorus of condemnation against the International Criminal Court (ICC) following the announcement that it would seek arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas officials.
In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Bennett denounced the ICC's move as a "shameful moment" and a "total joke," accusing the court of targeting Israel while exonerating Hamas.
"It's the leader of a democracy that's fighting against a terror group," Bennett said of Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Gallant. "We fully reject this."
Bennett reiterated Israel's longstanding allegations that Hamas has committed atrocities, including killing, raping, and abducting Israelis. He argued that the ICC's actions are politically motivated and equate Israel with a terrorist organization.
"No judge in his right mind would consider doing this," Bennett asserted. "Therefore, the ICC needs to be dismantled and defunded, and [we should] use all the tools available to do that."
Bennett accused the ICC of being a "political play" and a "political tool" for Israel's enemies. He cited examples of the United Nations being used to condemn Israel while ignoring Hamas's actions.
"It's a farce," Bennett said. "It's not about the evidence. It's not about facts. It's about politics."
A panel of three judges will review ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan's request for warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant, and Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar, Ismail Haniyeh, and Mohammed Deif. Khan alleges that both Israeli and Hamas officials have committed war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has rejected the ICC's accusations as "fallacious" and part of a trend of "anti-Zionism, anti-Israel, antisemitism." Bennett agrees, calling it "what the new antisemitism looks like."
Bennett insists that Israel has a "robust judicial system" capable of handling any alleged crimes committed by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in Gaza, emphasizing that "we investigate, and when necessary, we prosecute."
Despite not being an ICC member, Israel could face difficulties for its officials traveling abroad if warrants are issued. President Putin's experience after the ICC issued an arrest warrant for his role in the Ukraine invasion serves as an example.
South Africa, which has been vocal in its criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza, has welcomed the ICC's move, arguing that the law must be applied equally to all. However, the South African government has previously faced pressure over whether it would arrest Putin if he visited the country.
The ICC has faced criticism from other nations as well, including the United States, which does not recognize the court's jurisdiction over its citizens. Ex-NSC official Frederick Fleitz has called for defunding the ICC, labeling it a "kangaroo court."
Despite the ICC's efforts, Israel remains defiant in its stance, with Bennett stating that the only satisfactory response is to "continue and defeat Hamas."
