Prime ministerial candidates Naftali Bennett and Gideon Sa'ar have both spoken out in condemnation of the International Criminal Court, after it ruled it has the jurisdiction to probe allegations of war crimes perpetrated by Israel in Gaza, the West Bank and east Jerusalem.
Such war crimes suits could be leveled at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, defense ministers and any other high-level officials involved in such activity since June 13, 2014. Soldiers and commanders could also be targeted.
"Let me be clear, the ICC has no right to investigate, no right to indict, no right to try and no right to convict any Israeli whatsoever," said Yamina Party leader Bennett. "The International Criminal Court is a sham."
"Israel is not a member of this fake court," he added.
Bennett then went on to explain a document that every Israeli soldier has to carry with them during their service, called the "Spirit of the Israel Defense Forces." The document explains the values IDF soldiers are meant to uphold.
Bennett quoted the "purity of arms" clause to symbolize his argument: "The soldier should make use of his weaponry in power, only for the fulfillment of the mission and solely to the extent required. He will maintain his humanity, even in combat."
"We don't need anyone to lecture us about morality," Bennett said, explaining the human rights abuses carried out by Hamas. "In Gaza, Hamas stores weapons in schools, it digs tunnels under mosques and fires rockets from within hospitals.
"I've seen it: Hezbollah likewise."
Bennett made a call that he will ensure that the "hands of Israeli soldiers will never be tied" and "will never again be at the mercy of others."
Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report.