Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi denounced the International Criminal Court ruling that it has jurisdiction over Judea, Samaria, Gaza and eastern Jerusalem.
“Today’s ruling by the International Criminal Court distorts international law and makes this institution a political tool in the hands of anti-Israel propaganda. The International Criminal Court has no authority to hear the Palestinian case. The State of Israel is a strong democracy with an independent and effective legal system, which is deeply appreciated around the world,” said Ashkenazi.
“The judges' ruling awards a prize to Palestinian terrorism and to the PA's refusal to return to direct negotiations with Israel, and contributes, in effect, to polarization between the parties. We call on countries that see importance in the international legal system and which oppose its political exploitation, to respect the sovereign right of states to choose not to agree to the jurisdiction of the tribunal. The State of Israel will take all necessary measures to protect its citizens,” he added.
(Arutz Sheva’s North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Shabbat in New York. The time posted automatically on all Arutz Sheva articles, however, is Israeli time.)
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