Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced a series of measures targeting the Palestinian Authority after revealing that the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court had allegedly submitted a request for a secret international arrest warrant against him.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Smotrich described the move as a “declaration of war” and linked it to what he characterised as efforts by the Palestinian Authority to pursue Israeli officials through international legal institutions.
Smotrich said the alleged request followed earlier arrest warrants issued against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant.
READ: Israeli finance minister says ICC arrest warrant issued for him
Rejecting the legitimacy of the ICC proceedings, Smotrich accused the Palestinian Authority of being behind the legal campaign against Israeli leaders, stating that “the hands are those of The Hague tribunal, but the voice is that of the Palestinian Authority.”
As part of what he described as retaliatory measures, Smotrich announced that he would immediately sign an order to evacuate the Bedouin village of Khan al-Ahmar in the occupied West Bank.
According to Israeli media reports, Smotrich said additional economic and administrative measures targeting the Palestinian Authority would follow, using powers linked to his authority over aspects of civil administration in the West Bank.
Khan al-Ahmar has long been at the centre of international controversy, with rights groups and foreign governments warning that its demolition and forced displacement of residents would violate international law.
READ: Ben-Gvir criticises ICC and vows further escalation
