Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to the International Criminal Court's decision in The Hague, which requested arrest warrants on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity for himself, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, along with Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar, Ismail Haniyeh, and Mohammed Deif.
Netanyahu denounced the ICC decision as "scandalous" during a meeting of the Likud faction.
He emphasized that neither he nor the State of Israel would be deterred by the ICC's actions.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog also condemned the ICC decision, urging the international community to reject it.
"This unilateral move is unconscionable and emboldens terrorists worldwide, undermining fundamental principles of justice," Herzog stated.
"Hamas leaders are dictators responsible for mass murder, rape, and kidnapping. Attempting to equate them with the democratically elected Israeli government, which fulfills its duty to protect citizens while upholding international law, is absolute chaos."
