Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that his upcoming meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington will focus on Iran, along with broader Israeli operations in the West Bank and criticism of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Speaking at the start of the weekly government meeting before his departure, Netanyahu confirmed that 'Iran' would be a key agenda item.
Key Agenda Items for Washington Meeting
Netanyahu stated, 'Tomorrow I will fly to Washington to meet, at his invitation, with President Trump, and afterwards to participate in the memorial service for a great friend of Israel, the late Senator Lindsey Graham. I will also discuss all pending issues with President Trump, including the situation in Iran.' The remarks were shared on X by the Prime Minister's office. Netanyahu praised Graham as 'one of Israel's greatest friends since its inception,' emphasizing the importance of paying respect.
West Bank Security Operations Intensified
On security operations in the West Bank, Netanyahu outlined the government's directives: 'to enter the villages, sweep them, seize weapons, and make arrests.' He confirmed that these actions are currently underway, including an entry into a hospital in Nablus where two accomplices were hiding. The terrorist's home has been sealed in preparation for demolition, and the homes of other accomplices have been mapped out. Netanyahu added that Israel is prepared to operate on a broader scale against 'terrorist nests.'
Netanyahu Criticizes International Criminal Court
Netanyahu also launched a sharp critique of the ICC, alleging corruption within the institution. He noted that a large majority of countries had voted to depose ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan. 'I think this exposed the fact that this man was not only accused of sexual harassment by several women who worked under him,' Netanyahu said, adding that Khan had cancelled his visit to Israel, took back statements about Israel's legal system, and immediately moved to advance warrants against Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Netanyahu accused Khan of using the warrants 'to divert attention, to rally all of Israel's haters around him... This shield has now been torn apart, exposing his true motivation, the injustice, and the deep corruption that exists not only in the Prosecutor's office, but in the International Criminal Court as a whole.'
US Support Against ICC
The Israeli Prime Minister also revealed that he spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who reaffirmed Washington's intention to act against the ICC. 'He reiterated to me the US intention to act firmly against this organization, which endangers justice in the world and also threatens the right of democratic, sovereign states to exercise their sovereignty,' Netanyahu said. He described this as 'a very positive development' and stressed the importance of echoing this stance globally.
ICC Prosecutor Ousted Over Misconduct Claims
Karim Khan was officially removed from his position as Chief Prosecutor of the ICC on Friday, July 24. Following an emergency session at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, the ICC's Assembly of States Parties voted by a majority of 82 out of 125 member states to dismiss him over allegations of serious sexual misconduct and breach of duty. This development has been highlighted by Netanyahu as evidence of institutional corruption.
