ICC denies reports of secret arrest warrants against Israeli officials

Sunday 17 May 2026 - 15:15

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has denied reports claiming that it secretly issued new arrest warrants against additional Israeli political and military officials over alleged crimes committed against Palestinians.

The clarification came after Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that the court had allegedly approved confidential warrants targeting five senior Israeli figures. According to the report, the individuals supposedly included political leaders and military officials linked to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

In response, ICC spokesperson Oriane Maillet rejected the claims and stated that the information published was inaccurate. The court emphasized that no new arrest warrants had been issued in relation to the situation in the State of Palestine.

The controversy has once again drawn international attention to the role of the ICC in investigating allegations connected to the war in Gaza. The court has faced intense political pressure and criticism from multiple sides since opening investigations into possible war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The issue follows earlier ICC decisions that generated global reactions. In November 2024, the court issued arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over accusations tied to the conduct of military operations in Gaza, including allegations involving the use of starvation as a method of warfare. Israeli officials have strongly rejected the accusations.

Reports had also circulated in recent months suggesting that some far-right Israeli ministers could face legal scrutiny because of controversial statements and policies linked to the conflict. However, the ICC has not publicly confirmed any additional proceedings.

The developments highlight the growing diplomatic and legal tensions surrounding the war in Gaza, as international institutions continue to face pressure to address accusations of violations of international humanitarian law.