A statement issued by the Israeli security cabinet confirmed its categorical rejection of what it described as the outrageous decision of the International Criminal Court, which approved the opening of an investigation into war crimes committed by Israel in the Palestinian territories.
The Security Ministerial Council decided - according to the statement - to assign certain parties to take the required steps to protect the interests of Israel and defend its citizens and soldiers before the court’s decision.
The statement added that the International Criminal Court is not authorized to adopt this decision, that Israel is not a member state, and that the Palestinian Authority does not have the status of a state.
For its part, Axios reported that Israel has asked its ambassadors around the world to urge foreign ministers and heads of government in the countries in which they work to issue statements opposing the ICC judges' decision to proceed with the investigation of war crimes in the Palestinian territories.
The site added that the Israeli Foreign Ministry sent a secret cable to dozens of Israeli ambassadors asking its allies to pressure the Prosecutor of the Court in order not to proceed with such an investigation, and that the Prime Minister would request their support.
Defense officer
Internally, the Israeli army appointed a first-team officer at the head of a team of jurists to defend its soldiers in the event that the International Criminal Court launched an official investigation into the situation in Palestine.
The occupation army fears that the court will issue arrest warrants or prosecute its leaders and soldiers in the event that a criminal investigation is launched on suspicion that Israeli officials and soldiers have committed war crimes in the Palestinian territories.
So far, the International Criminal Court has not announced its decision to launch an official investigation into the situation in Palestine.
Israel is not a member of the International Criminal Court, but it also denies the state status of Palestine which the International Court has accepted as a member in its capacity as a state.
"Israel Today" newspaper said that the army appointed Lieutenant General Itai Ferov "to coordinate all aspects of the legal battle against the International Criminal Court."
She indicated that Ferov is currently in charge of the military colleges in the Israeli army, and also oversees all operational investigations in the army.
"Ferrov is the head of a team that includes an expert in international law," the Israeli newspaper said.
"We will defend"
The Israeli army said in a written statement yesterday, "The army will protect all its soldiers and officers, both regulars and reservists."
"The Israeli army is ready to provide support and assistance to its soldiers and commanders, as needed," the statement said.
Last Friday, the Pre-Trial Chamber of the court (based in The Hague) issued a decision establishing its jurisdiction over the occupied Palestinian territories (the West Bank, including East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip), which paves the way for an investigation into war crimes resulting from Israeli military actions.