The International Criminal Court is reportedly preparing new arrest warrants against top Israeli officials over war crimes in Gaza and the West Bank, but the court is publicly denying it — likely out of fear of US retaliation.

• New warrants are expected against Defense Minister Katz, Finance Minister Smotrich, National Security Minister Ben-Gvir, IDF chief Zamir, and southern command chief Assor.
• Smotrich called the warrants a "declaration of war" and said he would respond by ordering the demolition of a Bedouin village in the West Bank.
• Over 4,000 Palestinians in 59 West Bank communities have already been forced out by settler violence since October 2023.
• The US has sanctioned individual ICC judges so harshly that they cannot use bank accounts, credit cards, or even buy plane tickets.
• The ICC may be keeping the warrants sealed because prosecutors and judges who go after Israel face worse personal consequences than the accused war criminals.

Outlook: The warrants will likely deepen Israel's diplomatic isolation while triggering more settlement demolitions and US sanctions against court officials.