In response to reports that the International Criminal Court (ICC) is planning to issue arrest warrants for top Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is calling on President Biden to block this action. Johnson emphasized that such warrants would be “baseless and illegitimate” and would pose a threat to U.S. national security if left unchallenged. He urged the Biden administration to demand that the ICC stand down and to use all available tools to prevent this potential development.
Johnson criticized the ICC for targeting Israel, arguing that they should instead focus on charges against Iran and its terror proxies, such as Hamas, for engaging in war crimes. He warned that allowing the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Israeli officials could set a dangerous precedent that may put American political leaders, diplomats, and military personnel at risk. The speaker emphasized the need for the U.S. to utilize its influence on the world stage to prevent such actions by the ICC.
Israeli officials have expressed concerns over the ICC’s reported plans following Israel’s response to an attack by Hamas in October 2023. Israel has been accused of obstructing humanitarian aid to Gaza while conducting a ground invasion and airstrikes in an effort to secure the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. The severity of Israel’s response has drawn criticism on the global stage, raising fears of potential arrest warrants being issued against Israeli officials.
While both the U.S. and Israel are not members of the ICC, the Palestinian territories were admitted as a member in April 2015. Prime Minister Netanyahu made it clear that Israel would not accept any attempts by the ICC to undermine its inherent right of self-defense. Netanyahu stressed that the threat of seizing Israeli soldiers and officials is unacceptable and that Israel will not bow to such actions. He warned that allowing the ICC to target Israeli officials could set a dangerous precedent that may impact other democracies fighting terrorism and aggression.
The State Department deputy spokesman declined to confirm or deny whether the U.S. was aware of the ICC’s reported plans. He emphasized the U.S. position that the ICC does not have jurisdiction over the Palestinian situation. Meanwhile, concerns have been raised about the precedent that could be set if the ICC proceeds with arrest warrants against Israeli officials, potentially impacting not only Israel but also other democracies facing similar threats. The U.S. and Israel must work together to prevent such actions and protect their sovereignty and national security.
In conclusion, the threat of arrest warrants being issued against Israeli officials by the ICC has raised alarm in the U.S. and Israel. Both countries must take steps to challenge the ICC and prevent such actions, which could have far-reaching implications not only for Israel but for other democracies facing similar threats. Speaker Johnson’s call on President Biden to use U.S. influence on the world stage to block the ICC’s reported plans reflects the urgency of the situation to safeguard national security and sovereignty.
