Netanyahu says he is not concerned about ICC arrest risk

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, traveling under an active International Criminal Court arrest warrant, stated he is not overly concerned about the risk of arrest abroad, suggesting Israeli special forces would be prepared to intervene if necessary. Netanyahu made the remarks during an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity that aired on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, as he concluded a visit to Washington, D.C., for meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump.

The prime minister acknowledged he has considered the scenario of a medical or aviation emergency forcing his plane to land in a country that recognizes the ICC warrant. When Hannity raised the concern, Netanyahu replied, "Yeah, I think about it." He then added, "We have special forces around. I served for five years." After Hannity praised the Israeli military's capabilities, Netanyahu smiled and said, "Let's give them a new task."

Netanyahu's flight to the United States earlier in the week passed through the airspace of several ICC member states, including Greece, Italy, and France, drawing criticism from those who accused the governments of facilitating the travel of a wanted leader. The ICC, based in The Hague,...