Arrest Warrant Sought for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by ICC

ICC Prosecutor Accuses Netanyahu of War Crimes

Netanyahu Denies Allegations, Calls Them "Outrageous"

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has announced that it is seeking an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged war crimes committed in the occupied Palestinian territories.

ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan said that there is "reasonable basis to believe" that Netanyahu, along with other Israeli officials, committed crimes against humanity, including murder, deportation, or forcible transfer of population, and apartheid.

The allegations stem from Israel's military operations in Gaza in 2014, which resulted in the deaths of over 2,000 Palestinians. The ICC prosecutor also cited Israel's settlement expansion in the occupied territories as evidence of apartheid.

Netanyahu has vehemently denied the allegations, calling them "outrageous" and a "witch hunt." He said that Israel has a right to defend itself against terrorism and that the ICC has no jurisdiction over Israeli citizens.

The decision to seek an arrest warrant for Netanyahu is a significant development. It is the first time that the ICC has targeted the leader of a democratic country. It could lead to Netanyahu's arrest if he travels to a country that is a member of the ICC.

The decision has been met with mixed reactions. Human rights groups have welcomed it as a step towards holding Israeli leaders accountable for alleged war crimes. However, some critics have accused the ICC of being biased against Israel.

The situation is likely to escalate in the coming days and weeks. It remains to be seen how Israel will respond to the ICC's request for an arrest warrant for Netanyahu.