Haaretz reported the ICC prosecutor requested sealed arrest warrants for five Israelis: ministers Bezalel Smotrich, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Orit Strock, plus two IDF officials.
The request marks a narrower, earlier procedural step than claims that warrants had already been issued, after the ICC later said reports of new warrants were inaccurate.
If judges approve the applications, the new cases would expand ICC action against Israeli leaders beyond the November 2024 warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant.
Amidst a devastating humanitarian crisis, can ICC arrest warrants bring tangible relief or justice to Gazans?
With US sanctions creating a 'chilling effect' on the ICC, who will dare to prosecute future war crimes?
When a global court's judges are personally sanctioned, can international law survive the pressure from powerful nations?
ICC Expands Scope: Secret Arrest Warrants for Israeli Officials Over Gaza and West Bank Policies
Overview
In May 2026, the International Criminal Court reportedly issued secret arrest warrants against several Israeli officials, marking a strategic shift from its previous public actions. Unlike earlier warrants that focused on wartime leaders, these new warrants expand scrutiny to officials involved in settlement policy and internal security. If confirmed, the warrants would intensify international isolation for the targeted officials, severely restrict their ability to travel, and could impact their political influence. For the Israeli government, this move may lead to increased diplomatic pressure and complicate international relations, especially given the secrecy surrounding the warrants and the broader scope of the ICC’s investigation.