Israel is reportedly facing the prospect of extradition arrest warrants by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for the prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the defense minister Joab Gallant and the Chief of Army Staff Herci Halevi arising from investigations into Israel’s military operations in Gaza and the West Bank.

Despite Israel’s refusal to recognize the jurisdiction of the ICC, the court insists it has jurisdiction to examine alleged violations of international law by Israeli forces.

Israel’s Channel 12 reported that the Prime Minister’s Office held extraordinary discussions several weeks ago regarding the possible issuance of arrest warrants. According to the report, ministerial officials attended this meeting to discuss strategies to deal with the expected decisions of the International Criminal Court, but efforts to influence important international figures reportedly failed.

Netanyahu posted the following statement on his X account on Friday: “Under my leadership, Israel will never accept any attempt by the ICC to undermine its inherent right of self-defense. The threat to arrest the soldiers and officials of the Middle East’s only democracy and the world’s only Jewish state is outrageous. We will not succumb to this.”

“Israel will continue to win our just war against genocidal terrorists and we will never stop defending ourselves,” he continued.

“While the Hague tribunal’s rulings will not affect Israel’s actions, would set a dangerous precedent that threatens the soldiers and officials of any republic fighting criminal terrorism and aggression.”