Netanyahu Hints at Special Forces Plan if Arrested Abroad Amid ICC Warrants

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed concerns about potential arrest during foreign travel in an interview with Fox News. When asked if he fears being detained if forced to make an emergency landing in a country recognizing the International Criminal Court (ICC), Netanyahu responded that Israel has special forces capable of handling such situations, referencing his five years of service with them. He implied these forces could ensure his removal from European soil if necessary.

Netanyahu criticized the ICC as a corrupt and unelected bureaucracy based in The Hague, accusing it of targeting Israeli and American soldiers unfairly while ignoring Iran, Hezbollah, and other terrorist groups. He dismissed the ICC’s recent indictment against Hamas as a sham, noting it concerned a deceased individual. The interview took place amid Netanyahu’s ongoing health concerns, following surgery and radiation treatment for early-stage prostate cancer earlier this year.

The ICC issued arrest warrants against Netanyahu and then-Defense Minister Yoav Galant in 2024 for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. Several countries have pledged to enforce these warrants if Netanyahu lands on their territory. The issue gained attention recently when New York City Mayor Eric Adams considered ordering Netanyahu’s arrest during the UN General Assembly but later clarified he lacked the authority.

Netanyahu’s office condemned the ICC as a "kangaroo court" lacking jurisdiction over Israelis and Americans, highlighting that the warrants were issued by former ICC prosecutor Karim Khan shortly before sexual harassment allegations against him became public. Khan was subsequently removed from his position. Netanyahu’s team accused both Khan and Adams of attempting to divert public attention from their own controversies by targeting Israel’s leader.

Netanyahu is expected to return to Israel after a two-day visit to the United States, where he met with US Vice President J.D. Vance and planned to meet Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Israeli officials described the meetings as positive. The interview and related events underscore the ongoing legal and diplomatic challenges Netanyahu faces internationally amid his political and health struggles.