• Bezalel Smotrich claims arrest warrant from ICC is a declaration of war.
• The ICC is investigating him for alleged war crimes against Palestinians.
• Smotrich ordered the evacuation of Khan al-Ahmar in response.
• Smotrich describes the ICC as anti-Semitic and biased against Israel.
• Western nations have sanctioned Smotrich for incitement to violence.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has stated that the application for an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court (ICC) is equivalent to a "declaration of war," following communications he received regarding the warrant's initiation. He expressed his intention to retaliate against the Palestinian Authority (PA) for what he perceives as their provocative actions that led to the ICC's involvement, declaring, "the Palestinian Authority has started a war, and it will get a war," according to Middle East Eye and Al Jazeera.

Smotrich is the third Israeli official targeted by the ICC, following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, both of whom have been accused of war crimes associated with the conflict in Gaza. An application for a confidential arrest warrant has reportedly been submitted concerning Smotrich over his alleged role in encouraging forced displacement of Palestinians and supporting settlement expansion, according to Reuters and BBC.

In a defiant move, Smotrich has directed actions against the Palestinian village of Khan al-Ahmar, which he plans to evacuate. This announcement follows assertions from Israel's Supreme Court that upheld an eviction order in 2018 but has since faced international pushback. Smotrich has touted this as a necessary measure corresponding to his broader strategy against the PA, reflecting a hardline stance from the Israeli government, as reported by Middle East Eye and BBC.

Furthermore, the Sanctions from the UK and four other countries remind Smotrich and his colleague Itamar Ben-Gvir that their actions have severe international consequences, as they have been accused of inciting violence against Palestinians. Despite these sanctions, Smotrich maintains his perspective regarding the settlements and claims a commitment to actions that will strengthen Israel's presence in the West Bank, according to Reuters and Al Jazeera.