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FM Katz Urges Embassies to Bolster Security Amid ICC Arrest Warrant Concerns
The International Criminal Court. Photo: ICC Website.
i24 News – In response to mounting concerns over potential arrest warrants from the International Criminal Court (ICC) for senior Israeli political and IDF officials, Foreign Minister Israel Katz has issued a directive calling on Israeli embassies worldwide to ramp up security measures.
The move comes amidst fears of a surge in antisemitic sentiment globally.
Reports circulating suggest that the ICC may soon issue warrants targeting high-ranking Israeli figures. In light of this, Katz emphasized the need for proactive measures to counteract what he described as a possible “anti-Jewish and anti-Israeli antisemitic wave” across the world.
“The threat posed to Jewish communities abroad cannot be understated,” Katz stated, underscoring the gravity of the situation. In addition to fortifying security at Israeli embassies, he has urged Jewish organizations worldwide to collaborate closely in preparation for any potential developments, including coordinating heightened security around Jewish institutions.
Minister Katz’s plea for heightened vigilance extends to Minister Amichai Chikli, responsible for combating antisemitism. Katz emphasized the expectation that the ICC would refrain from issuing warrants against Israeli officials. He expressed concern that such actions would not only undermine Israel’s ability to defend itself but also bolster extremist groups like Hamas and Iran-backed factions.
“We expect the court (ICC) to refrain from issuing arrest warrants against senior Israeli political and security officials,” Katz asserted. “There is nothing stranger than trying to prevent Israel from defending itself against a murderous enemy who openly calls for the destruction of the State of Israel.”
In his statement, Katz highlighted Israel’s adherence to international laws of war and its efforts to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza, despite challenges posed by groups like Hamas, who exploit civilian populations. He reiterated Israel’s resolve in combating terrorism and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens.
“We will not lower our heads, we will not be discouraged, and we will continue to fight until all the hostages are freed, the defeat of the terrorist organization Hamas, and the return of our residents of the south and north to their homes, in peace and security,” Katz concluded.
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Israeli Strike on Tehran Kills Bodyguard of Slain Hezbollah Chief
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi lays a wreath as he visits the burial site of former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, on the outskirts of Beirut, Lebanon, June 3, 2025. Photo: REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir
A member of Lebanese armed group Hezbollah was killed in an Israeli air strike on Tehran alongside a member of an Iran-aligned Iraqi armed group, a senior Lebanese security source told Reuters and the Iraqi group said on Saturday.
The source identified the Hezbollah member as Abu Ali Khalil, who had served as a bodyguard for Hezbollah’s slain chief Hassan Nasrallah. The source said Khalil had been on a religious pilgrimage to Iraq when he met up with a member of the Kataeb Sayyed Al-Shuhada group.
They traveled together to Tehran and were both killed in an Israeli strike there, along with Khalil’s son, the senior security source said. Hezbollah has not joined in Iran’s air strikes against Israel from Lebanon.
Kataeb Sayyed Al-Shuhada published a statement confirming that both the head of its security unit and Khalil had been killed in an Israeli strike.
Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli aerial attack on Beirut’s southern suburbs in September.
Israel and Iran have been trading strikes for nine consecutive days since Israel launched attacks on Iran, saying Tehran was on the verge of developing nuclear weapons. Iran has said it does not seek nuclear weapons.
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Hamas Financial Officer and Commander Eliminated by IDF in the Gaza Strip
Israeli soldiers operate during a ground operation in the southern Gaza Strip, amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, July 3, 2024. Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg/Pool via REUTERS
i24 News – The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), in cooperation with the General Security Service (Shin Bet), announced on Friday the killing of Ibrahim Abu Shamala, a senior financial official in Hamas’ military wing.
The operation took place on June 17th in the central Gaza Strip.
Abu Shamala held several key positions, including financial officer for Hamas’ military wing and assistant to Marwan Issa, the deputy commander of Hamas’ military wing until his elimination in March 2024.
He was responsible for managing all the financial resources of Hamas’ military wing in Gaza, overseeing the planning and execution of the group’s war budget. This involved handling and smuggling millions of dollars into the Gaza Strip to fund Hamas’ military operations.
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Report: Wary of Assassination by Israel, Khamenei Names 3 Potential Successors
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei waves during a meeting in Tehran, Iran, May 20, 2025. Photo: Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader/WANA (West Asia News Agency)/Handout via REUTERS
i24 News – Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei named three senior clerics as candidates to succeed him should he be killed, the New York Times reported on Saturday citing unnamed Iranian officials. It is understood the Ayatollah fears he could be assassinated in the coming days.
Khamenei reportedly mostly speaks with his commanders through a trusted aide now, suspending electronic communications.
Khamenei has designated three senior religious figures as candidates to replace him as well as choosing successors in the military chain of command in the likely event that additional senior officials be eliminated.
Earlier on Saturday Israel confirmed the elimination of Saeed Izadi and Bhanam Shahriari.
Shahriari, head of Iran’s Quds Force Weapons Transfer Unit, responsible for arming Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, was killed in an Israeli airstrike over 1,000 km from Israel in western Iran.
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