Israeli far-right Minister Smotrich says ICC prosecutor seeks his arrest

Published on 5/19/2026, 4:42:54 PM

Key points

Bezalel Smotrich, Israel's far-right Finance Minister, said on Tuesday (May 19, 2026) he was informed that the prosecutor at the International Criminal Court in the Hague has requested a "secret" arrest warrant against him.
Smotrich, speaking at a ⁠press conference, did not specify who had informed him of the warrant on Monday (May 18, 2026) evening, and the process of seeking warrants is confidential.
He also did not reveal the ICC's reasons.
The office of the prosecutor at the ICC declined to comment, citing ⁠confidentiality of the process.
Prosecutors can submit ⁠a confidential application to judges, who have to find there are reasonable grounds to conclude a suspect has committed crimes under the jurisdiction of the ICC in order to approve the application.

Quick context: Bezalel Smotrich, Israel's far-right Finance Minister, said on Tuesday (May 19, 2026) he was informed that the prosecutor at the International Criminal Court in the Hague has requested a "secret" arrest warrant against him.

Published May 19, 2026.

📌 Source: The Hindu

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