Netanyahu threatens response to Palestines' ICC approach

JERUSALEM - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday threatened "steps in reponse" to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's approach to the International Criminal Court and vowed to defend Israeli soldiers from any potential prosecution.

In a statement messaged to reporters, Netanyahu said the court could also target the Palestinians, citing Abbas' unity deal with Hamas Islamists, which he called "an avowed terrorist organisation which, like ISIS, carries out war crimes".

"We will take steps in response and defend Israel's soldiers," Netanyahu said.