Israeli minister Smotrich says ICC prosecutor seeking warrant for his arrest
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said the International Criminal Court prosecutor is seeking an arrest warrant against him. According to the BBC, Smotrich sharply criticised the move, and the ICC has not yet formally confirmed the request.
According to the BBC, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court is seeking an arrest warrant against him. In his statement, Smotrich rejected the request in strong terms and reiterated that he does not recognise the court's jurisdiction.
Israel's formal position is that the ICC does not have jurisdiction over Israeli officials. If the request is confirmed, it would mark one of the highest-level legal steps targeting a senior figure currently serving in the Israeli cabinet.
The ICC has not yet formally confirmed the request. The process could have wide-ranging implications, from diplomatic relations between the European Union and Israel to international responses on the Palestinian issue.
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