Israeli far-right minister Smotrich says ICC prosecutor seeks his arrest
Israeli far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich announced that he has been informed of a secret arrest warrant requested by the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor. The ICC has not commented on the matter, citing the confidentiality of the process. Smotrich described the arrest warrants against Israeli officials as a declaration of war by the Palestinian Authority.
- ▪Bezalel Smotrich claims the ICC prosecutor has requested a secret arrest warrant against him.
- ▪The ICC's office declined to comment on the situation due to confidentiality.
- ▪Smotrich has previously faced sanctions from Britain and other nations for inciting violence against Palestinians.
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Israeli far-right minister Smotrich says ICC prosecutor seeks his arrestSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxPublished May 19, 2026, 06:58 PMUpdated May 19, 2026, 06:58 PMJERUSALEM, May 19 - Bezalel Smotrich, Israel's far-right finance minister, said on Tuesday he was informed that the prosecutor at the International Criminal Court in the Hague has requested a "secret" arrest warrant against him.Smotrich, speaking at a press conference, did not specify who had informed him of the warrant on Monday evening, and the process of seeking warrants is confidential.
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