Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert warned on Friday that Israeli leaders could face international prosecution and arrest warrants for crimes committed against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.

In an article published by the Israeli daily Haaretz, Olmert said Israel would have no defense when accused of committing crimes against Palestinians in the West Bank.

“I issue this warning because if we continue to reconcile with crimes against the Palestinians in Judea and Samaria (West Bank), serious and painful sanctions will be levied against Israel, and we won't have a good defense,” he said.

“Everyone knows about the reports on the settlers – who attack, loot, destroy, ruin, burn and kill innocent people – and also attack Israeli soldiers who are unwilling to lend a hand to their crimes,” he added.

He warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying: “The day is drawing near when arrest warrants will be issued against you for the crimes being carried out every day in Judea and Samaria by Israel, with the support of its government, while you intentionally turn a blind eye to it.”

He also warned war minister Yoav Gallant, and said: “There will also be an arrest warrant (for Gallant). He is responsible for security; he can act and struggle against the reckless policies of Netanyahu and Smotrich.”