U.S. Condemns ICC Arrest Warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

The United States has strongly criticized the International Criminal Court (ICC) following its issuance of arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. The warrants stem from allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during Israel’s military operations in Gaza.

In a statement released Thursday, a spokesperson for the White House National Security Council expressed concern over the court’s decision, citing procedural flaws and questioning the speed of the ICC Prosecutor’s actions.

“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 spokesperson said.

The Biden administration is reportedly consulting with international allies on the appropriate response to the ICC’s actions, which have sparked widespread controversy and debate.

ICC Allegations Against Netanyahu and Gallant

The ICC announced on Thursday that the arrest warrants were linked to alleged crimes committed between October 8, 2023, and May 20, 2024, during the ongoing Gaza conflict. The charges include crimes against humanity and war crimes related to military actions and their impact on civilian populations.

“The Chamber issued warrants of arrest for two individuals, Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu and Mr. Yoav Gallant, for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed from at least October 8, 2023, until at least May 20, 2024,” the ICC stated. It added that a third warrant had also been issued for Mohammed Deif, a senior commander of Hamas, citing his involvement in the conflict.

Initially classified as secret, the warrants were made public to protect witnesses, maintain the integrity of the investigation, and inform victims and their families.

Allegations and Responses

ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan justified the warrants, citing ongoing violations during the conflict. According to the ICC, the decision to publicize the warrants was influenced by the continuation of conduct similar to the alleged crimes.

Israeli officials have rejected the ICC’s jurisdiction over the matter, arguing that it lacks the authority to prosecute Israeli nationals. Netanyahu and Gallant have both denied the accusations, with the Israeli government accusing the court of political bias.

The warrants also accuse Hamas of war crimes, including targeting civilians during its large-scale assault on Israel on October 7, 2023. However, efforts to issue a warrant for Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh were dropped after his death in Tehran on July 31. Claims regarding Deif’s death during a July airstrike remain unconfirmed by Hamas.

Background of the Gaza Conflict

The conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an unprecedented assault on Israel, killing over 1,200 people, mostly civilians. In response, Israel carried out extensive military operations in Gaza.

According to the Hamas-run health ministry, over 44,000 people have died and more than 100,000 have been injured in Gaza since the conflict began. The violence, which has persisted for over a year, continues to claim lives and escalate tensions.

Reactions and Global Implications

The ICC’s actions have drawn mixed reactions internationally. Critics, including the United States, argue that the court’s decision could exacerbate tensions and undermine efforts for a peaceful resolution. Proponents of the ICC’s move see it as a step toward accountability for alleged war crimes.

The White House’s condemnation highlights the geopolitical complexities surrounding the ICC’s role in conflict zones, as the Biden administration works closely with Israel on strategic and security issues.

The ICC, headquartered in The Hague, maintains that its investigations are guided by evidence and international law, despite pushback from powerful states like the United States and Israel, neither of which are ICC members.