Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sharply criticized the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor Karim Khan’s decision to seek arrest warrants against Israeli leaders on Monday, May 20, 2024. Netanyahu described the move as a “moral outrage of historic proportions” and a stain on the international court’s reputation.
Netanyahu defended Israel’s actions against Hamas, labeling the group as a “genocidal terrorist organization” responsible for the massacre of 1,200 Jews, alongside other heinous crimes including rape, burning babies, and taking hostages. He condemned Khan’s decision as a false equivalence between Israeli leaders and Hamas, comparing it to equating President Bush with Osama Bin Laden after 9/11 or FDR with Hitler during World War II.
“This is a travesty of justice and a disgrace,” Netanyahu stated, arguing that the charges against him and Israel’s defense minister aim to deny Israel the right to self-defense—a tactic he assured would fail. Emphasizing Israel’s historical resilience, Netanyahu noted that unlike 80 years ago, the Jewish people now have a state and an army for their defense.
Netanyahu pledged that Israel would continue its military efforts in compliance with international law, taking measures to protect innocent civilians and ensure humanitarian aid in Gaza. He warned that Khan’s actions undermine the right of democracies to defend themselves against terrorism and aggressors, and accused Khan of inflaming global antisemitism.
The Prime Minister reiterated his commitment to Israel’s self-defense, declaring that no international pressure or decision would deter Israel from protecting itself. He concluded with a resolute vow to continue the fight against Hamas until victory is achieved, reinforcing the sentiment of “never again is now.”–News Desk