Iran’s Supreme Leader Calls for Death Sentences for Israeli Leaders Over ICC Warrants

November 25, 2024 – Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Monday stated that death sentences should be issued for Israeli leaders, not arrest warrants, in response to the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) decision to issue warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Benny Gantz, and Hamas leader Ibrahim Al-Masri.

Khamenei, who is a staunch supporter of Hamas and Hezbollah, which are fighting Israel in Gaza and Lebanon, criticized the ICC’s move, emphasizing that Israeli leaders should face death penalties rather than be arrested. This statement reflects Iran’s ongoing opposition to Israeli policies and its support for groups involved in the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.

The ICC’s recent action came amid ongoing international attention to the conflict, with the court seeking accountability for alleged war crimes.