The International Criminal Court in The Hague is expected to issue arrest warrants against three senior political figures and two senior IDF commanders, according to estimates in Israel on Tuesday.
The political figures expected to be targeted are Defense Minister Israel Katz, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
The IDF commanders expected to be targeted are IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir and IDF Southern Command Chief Maj.-Gen. Yaniv Asor.
The arrest warrants are expected to be issued to investigate alleged war crimes in the Gaza Strip during the Israel-Hamas War.
In 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and then-defense minister Yoav Gallant over the allegations.
The IDF's Southern Command's area of operations includes the Gaza Strip and surrounding areas.
Haaretz cited diplomatic source saying ICC seeking arrest warrants, court issued denial
On Sunday, a report initially published by Haaretz said that the ICC had quietly sought arrest warrants against several Israeli officials.
The report cited a diplomatic source that said the officials included three politicians and two IDF officials, but did not name them.
The ICC denied issuing any new arrest warrants in a statement later on Sunday.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Smotrich held a press conference in which he reacted to reports that the ICC was about to issue an arrest warrant for him.
During the conference, he stated that he would use his influence to evacuate a Palestinian village in the West Bank.
“Immediately after I finish speaking here, I will sign an order to evacuate Khan al-Ahmar, within my authority as a minister in the Defense Ministry. I promise all our enemies: This is only the beginning,” he said.
Shir Perets and James Genn contributed to this report.