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Smotrich Calls ICC Arrest Request War, Orders Khan al-Ahmar Evacuation

5/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called the ICC prosecutor's request for a secret arrest warrant a declaration of war.
He announced the evacuation of Khan al-Ahmar, a West Bank village of about 750 residents.
The ICC request was filed on April 2 and remains pending judicial approval, with the court declining comment.
Smotrich said he will target the Palestinian Authority’s economic assets while overseeing civilian affairs in the West Bank.

History

Historical Context

Israel’s 2005 unilateral Gaza disengagement, ordered by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, removed roughly 8,000 settlers and cost about $2 billion, reshaping Israeli-Palestinian security dynamics. Today Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich calls the ICC’s secret arrest-warrant request a declaration of war and proposes evacuating the 750-person village of Khan al-Ahmar, echoing the precedent of forced relocations.

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Story summary

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called the ICC prosecutor's request for a secret arrest warrant a declaration of war.
He announced the evacuation of Khan al-Ahmar, a West Bank village of about 750 residents.
The ICC request was filed on April 2 and remains pending judicial approval, with the court declining comment.
Smotrich said he will target the Palestinian Authority’s economic assets while overseeing civilian affairs in the West Bank.

1 / 2