Fri Nov 22 09:56:53 UTC 2024: ## Biden Calls ICC Warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant “Outrageous”
**The Hague/Washington D.C.** – The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas military leader Mohammed Deif, marking the first time leaders of a Western-aligned democracy have been charged by the court. The warrants allege war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the recent Gaza conflict.
The ICC alleges Netanyahu and Gallant bear responsibility for war crimes, including starvation as a method of warfare, and crimes against humanity such as murder and persecution. Deif is accused of similar crimes against humanity and war crimes committed during the October 7th Hamas attack on Israel.
US President Joe Biden strongly condemned the warrants, calling them “outrageous” and emphasizing the lack of equivalence between Israel and Hamas. The US National Security Council also fundamentally rejected the decision, citing concerns over the speed of the process and alleged procedural errors. The statement highlighted the US position that the ICC lacks jurisdiction in this matter and announced discussions with partners, including Israel, on next steps.
Netanyahu’s office denounced the decision as “antisemitic” and rejected the ICC’s jurisdiction, while asserting the justice of Israel’s actions in Gaza. He vowed to continue defending Israel despite the warrants, which could lead to his arrest in the 124 countries that signed the Rome Statute establishing the ICC.
The UK government stated it would respect the court’s independence but indicated that a domestic legal process would be required before any arrest request could be acted upon.
The ICC’s decision has been welcomed by human rights groups, who see it as a step towards accountability for atrocities. However, the warrants have drawn sharp criticism from various Israeli political figures, including opposition leaders Benny Gantz and Yair Lapid. The timing is also sensitive, coinciding with an ongoing investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct against ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan.
The warrants add another layer of complexity to the already tense situation as the US attempts to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. While potentially strengthening Netanyahu’s domestic standing in the short term, the warrants also increase external pressure on his government. The upcoming Trump administration is expected to offer more resolute support for Israel than the current Biden administration.
First Piper 