Sky News host Sharri Markson says several Islamic countries, many “the enemies of Israel,” are determining the legitimacy of the Jewish state and its right to defend itself from attack.

“This weekend the International Criminal Court announced it has the power to charge Israel with war crimes over Palestinian territories,” Ms Markson said.

“The ICC Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda from Gambia has previously said she wants to open a formal inquiry into alleged war crimes in Israel, in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip,” Ms Markson said.

Ms Markson said Ms Bensouda now has the power to “carry out her politicised inquiry” which clearly “has a pre-determined outcome”.

“This weekend the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber ruled that it does have jurisdiction to probe Israel and the Palestinian territories.

“If Israel is found guilty of war crimes, members of its political and military leadership would face charges.

“Charges that can lead to global arrest warrants and can result in trial and even imprisonment of convicted individuals.

“So, this is more than a biased Human Rights Council inquiry, it has teeth,” Ms Markson said.

She also said “you won’t be surprised to learn” the countries which voted for the right to investigate Israel for alleged war crimes at the ICC include 23 members of the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

“The ICC now looks like the rest of the United Nations, another discredited organisation, politicised with little credibility”.

Ms Markson also said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has slammed the decision by the ICC.

She also said Australia’s response has also been very strong” in rejecting the ICC’s decision.

Ms Markson spoke with Liberal Senator James Paterson about the issue.