Story perspectives

ICC Announces, Then Blocks Israeli Arrest Warrants; US Sanctions

5/18/2026

Summary

ICC Seeks Warrants

The International Criminal Court announced arrest warrants for five Israeli officials.
The warrants target Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, settlement minister Orit Strook and two military officers.
Although Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan sought the warrants, ICC judges barred publicisation and said no arrest warrants were issued.
The United States sanctioned the ICC after the 2024 warrants while several nations barred Smotrich and Ben-Gvir from Schengen travel.

Summary

ICC Denies Warrants

ICC spokesperson Oriane Maillet said the Hague court denies issuing new arrest warrants in Palestinian territories, refuting a Haaretz report.
Prof. Eliav Lieblich said the ICC need not notify suspects of warrants, arguing secrecy can aid arrests.
Thursday lawyers for a Gazan man asked the ICC to probe 14 Hamas leaders for crimes against Palestinians, but the ICC has not charged any Hamas leader for offenses against its own civilians.

Summary

ICC Issues Warrants

The International Criminal Court issued five secret arrest warrants for Israeli officials and has not publicly confirmed them.
Lawyer Nicholas Kaufman warned Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan that refusing to withdraw the warrants would destroy the ICC.
Gaza’s Health Ministry records 870 deaths and 2,540 injuries since the Oct. 10 2025 ceasefire, indicating continued Israeli attacks.
Israeli leaders have threatened the ICC, accusing it of bias and promising retaliation over the war-crimes probe.

History

Historical Context

On 15 July 2002 the International Criminal Court issued its first arrest warrant, targeting Congolese rebel Thomas Lubanga for using child soldiers. The United Nations Security Council backed the move, while the United States warned of sanctions, a pattern later repeated when the ICC issued five arrest warrants in 2024-25 against Israeli officials. The 2002 case showed how contested warrants can provoke diplomatic retaliation.

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ICC Seeks Warrants

The International Criminal Court announced arrest warrants for five Israeli officials.
The warrants target Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, settlement minister Orit Strook and two military officers.
Although Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan sought the warrants, ICC judges barred publicisation and said no arrest warrants were issued.
The United States sanctioned the ICC after the 2024 warrants while several nations barred Smotrich and Ben-Gvir from Schengen travel.

1 / 4