PM says US opposition to ICC decision shows world there will be consequences for those complying with it

In Hebrew and English video statements, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says it is “a black day” after the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for him and former defense minister Yoav Gallant.

He says that decision “violates the natural right of democracies to defend themselves against murderous terrorism.”

“This is an antisemitic measure that has one goal,” he alleges, “to deter me, to deter us, from exercising our natural right to defend ourselves against our enemies who rise up against us to destroy us.”

The Hague court is doing nothing in the face of Hamas holding 101 hostages, he says, before correcting himself: “Sorry, today it issued an arrest warrant against the body of Muhammad Deif.”

He rejects the charge that Israel is starving Gazans, pointing out the “hundreds of thousands of tons of food” that have been ushered into Gaza during the war. He blames Hamas for looting aid and thus starving the population.

“Israel does not recognize and will not recognize this distorted decision,” he declares.

Netanyahu says he cherishes “the heartwarming mobilization of many friends in the world, led by our friends in the United States. They made clear that this decision will have serious consequences for the court and those who will cooperate with it in this matter.”

However, a growing list of Western countries have declared that they plan to comply with the ruling.

Netanyahu also thanks Israeli politicians across the political spectrum who spoke out against the move.

“No outrageous anti-Israel decision will prevent us – and it will not prevent me – from continuing to defend our country in any way,” Netanyahu promises. “We will not give in to pressure.”