The Hague (Agencies): The International Criminal Court (ICC) was preparing to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir over their alleged involvement in the expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
The move was initiated by ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan before he went on administrative leave due to an ongoing investigation concerning him. The decision on whether to proceed with the warrants now rests with Khan’s deputies, though it remains unclear how they will move forward.
Reports indicate that the ICC is also investigating other unnamed Israeli officials in connection with settlement expansion. The case could have significant political and legal implications, as previous ICC actions against Israeli leaders have drawn strong reactions from Washington and Tel Aviv.
The ICC has previously issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes in Gaza, further escalating tensions between Israel and the international court.
The situation continues to develop as legal experts assess the potential consequences of the ICC’s actions.