Image Credit - whitehouse.gov
US Rejects ICC Warrants Against Netanyahu as “Outrageous”
The United States has strongly condemned the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) decision to issue arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif. President Joe Biden described the ICC’s actions as “outrageous,” emphasizing unwavering US support for Israel’s security.
Biden Criticizes ICC’s Equivalence Between Israel and Hamas
In a statement on November 22, President Biden reaffirmed the US stance against the ICC’s move, stating:
“The ICC issuance of arrest warrants against Israeli leaders is outrageous. Let me be clear once again: whatever the ICC might imply, there is no equivalence — none — between Israel and Hamas. We will always stand with Israel against threats to its security.”
The ICC’s charges allege war crimes and crimes against humanity involving Netanyahu, Gallant, and Deif. However, Biden stressed that Israel’s actions could not be equated with those of Hamas.
US Questions ICC’s Jurisdiction and Process
The White House National Security Council echoed Biden’s criticism, calling the ICC’s decision troubling. A spokesperson said:
“The United States fundamentally rejects the Court’s decision to issue arrest warrants for senior Israeli officials. We remain deeply concerned by the Prosecutor’s rush to seek arrest warrants and the troubling process errors that led to this decision.”
The US has engaged in discussions with international partners to determine an appropriate response to the ICC’s actions.
Historical US Opposition to ICC’s Stance
This is not the first instance of US opposition to the ICC’s decisions regarding Israel. Earlier in May, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and President Biden criticized the ICC for its approach, raising concerns about jurisdiction and the potential impact on peace negotiations.
The US continues to argue that the ICC’s moves could undermine efforts to broker a ceasefire and secure a hostage deal between Israel and Hamas. The Biden administration remains steadfast in its commitment to Israel’s security and sovereignty.
