Gallant condemns ICC's efforts to deprive Israel of self-defense rights

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has responded to the ICC's decision to request a warrant for his arrest, as well as for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Gallant denounced the prosecutor's attempt to draw a parallel between a terrorist organization and the State of Israel as "shameful and disgusting." He asserted that the prosecutor is trying to "turn everything upside down."

"Israel is not a party to this court and does not recognize its authority," Gallant added.

He further stated, "The prosecutor's attempt to deprive Israel of its right to self-defense and prevent the return of our citizens abducted by Hamas must be rejected."

Earlier, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video message commenting on the ICC's demand. Among other things, Netanyahu referred to prosecutor Karim Khan's actions as "new antisemitism."