Israelis across the political divide lashed out at the International Criminal Court after it issued an arrest warrant for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a rare display of unity in the politically polarised country.

The warrants allege the premier and his former defence minister Yoav Gallant bear responsibility for crimes against humanity and war crimes over Israel’s offensive in Gaza. It marks the first time the 22-year-old court has sought to arrest the leader of a western-backed country.

The move comes amid mounting international outrage over the toll of Israel’s 13-month offensive in Gaza. But while global reaction was mixed, in Israel it sparked outrage from Netanyahu’s allies and opponents alike over what was widely interpreted as an attack on the country’s right to defend itself.