Democrats are divided on the International Criminal Court’s decision to pursue arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leaders. One lawmaker, Rep. Richie Torres, criticized the decision as retribution against Israel for existing as a Jewish state. He argued that Israel is not a member of the ICC, so the court has no jurisdiction, and the decision is more about politics than justice. Torres also blamed Hamas for the conflict, stating that the group’s actions have led to the ongoing war and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Fellow New York Democrat Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also expressed concern about U.S. funding being used for human rights abuses and war crimes in Gaza and the West Bank. She has previously accused Israel of carrying out a genocide and implementing a forced famine. Ocasio-Cortez called for an end to U.S. funding that supports such actions. The ICC’s decision to target both Netanyahu and Hamas leaders has only reinforced her belief that U.S. resources should not be used in this manner.
The ICC prosecutor Karim Khan announced that there are “reasonable grounds” to believe that Netanyahu, Israel Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, its top political leader Ismail Haniyeh, and its military commander Mohammed Dief have committed war crimes and crimes against humanity since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war on Oct. 7. This decision has sparked further debate among Democrats, with some questioning the legitimacy of the ICC’s actions and others criticizing Israel’s handling of the conflict.
Torres pointed out that Hamas has strategically embedded itself within the civilian population, making it difficult for Israel to defend itself without causing harm to innocent civilians. He argued that Hamas is solely responsible for the tragic consequences of the conflict and should be the target of criminal prosecution, not Israeli leaders. Torres also criticized the timing of the ICC’s decision, which he believes is meant to punish Israel for defending itself against Hamas.
Overall, the division among Democrats regarding the ICC’s decision reflects the ongoing debate over the Israel-Hamas conflict and the broader issues of human rights and international law. While some lawmakers question the legitimacy of the ICC’s actions and support Israel’s right to defend itself, others are calling for an end to U.S. funding that could be used to support alleged human rights abuses. The conflict in Gaza and the West Bank has once again become a focal point for discussions on foreign policy and international relations within the Democratic Party.
