JERUSALEM (AP) — The Israeli Justice Ministry says the government has asked a Dutch court to dismiss war crimes allegations against Benny Gantz, an ex-military chief who is challenging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in April elections.

A Dutch-Palestinian man originally from the Gaza Strip is suing Gantz and Israel's former air force chief, Amir Eshel, for their roles in an airstrike on his family's home that killed six relatives. The dead included a 72-year-old woman and a 12-year-old child.

The airstrike on the Zeyada family home happened during a 2014 war between Israel and Gaza militants.

Israel says four militants, including three family members, were killed in the airstrike. It says the attack was permissible under international law and argues the Dutch court does not have jurisdiction.

The ministry announced the request Monday.