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“We will respond to a declaration of war with full force. I am not a submissive Jew,” Smotrich said.
By United with Israel Staff
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on Tuesday launched a blistering attack on the International Criminal Court following reports that prosecutors are seeking a sealed arrest warrant against him, calling the move a “declaration of war” and vowing a forceful response.
“Last night I was informed that the prosecutor of the antisemitic court in The Hague filed a request for a secret international arrest warrant against me,” Smotrich said, opening his remarks.
He said the reported request follows what he described as “unprecedented” warrants issued against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
“The clumsy attempt to force on us a policy of security suicide through sanctions and arrest warrants will not succeed,” he said.
Smotrich went further, framing the move as part of a broader campaign against Israel’s sovereignty and rights.
“As a sovereign and independent state, we will not accept hypocritical dictates from biased bodies that consistently stand against the State of Israel, against our biblical, historical and legal rights in our homeland, and against our right and duty to defend ourselves,” he said.
His comments came in response to a report that ICC prosecutors filed a sealed request on April 2 seeking an arrest warrant over allegations tied to Israeli policy in Judea and Samaria, including claims of forced displacement, the transfer of civilians and apartheid accusations.
Smotrich also said he would move forward with plans to evacuate Khan al-Ahmar, a Bedouin encampment east of Jerusalem that has long been at the center of legal and political disputes.
“Issuing arrest warrants against the prime minister is a declaration of war. Issuing arrest warrants against the defense minister and against the finance minister is a declaration of war,” he said. “We will respond to a declaration of war with full force. I am not a submissive Jew.”
He added that he intends to use all tools at his disposal.
“From today, every economic or other target within my authority will be struck. Not talk or gimmicks—actions,” he said. “This is just the beginning.”
Smotrich also pointed to what he described as a broader transformation in Israeli policy in Judea and Samaria, saying recent years have seen expanded settlement activity and efforts to strengthen Israel’s hold on the area.
According to a report by Middle East Eye, the ICC prosecutor’s office filed the sealed request as part of a wider effort to pursue additional cases against Israeli officials.
The report follows earlier claims that the court was preparing secret warrants targeting multiple figures, though the ICC has denied that any new warrants have been issued.
Israel has consistently rejected the ICC’s jurisdiction, arguing that it is not a member of the court and that the tribunal has no authority over Israeli citizens.
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