Mon Dec 02 16:25:57 UTC 2024: ## ICC Faces Existential Threat Amid US Sanctions Threats Over Netanyahu Warrant

**The Hague, Netherlands** – The International Criminal Court (ICC) is facing an existential crisis, its president warned Monday, as the United States escalates threats of sanctions against court officials following the issuance of an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

ICC President Tomoko Akane addressed the annual ICC conference, condemning “coercive measures, threats, pressure, and acts of sabotage” targeting the court. While not explicitly naming the US and Russia, Akane’s remarks directly referred to threats of “draconian economic sanctions” from a permanent member of the UN Security Council.

These threats stem from the ICC’s recent arrest warrants for Netanyahu, his former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and a Hamas leader, over alleged war crimes in Gaza. US Senator Lindsey Graham, a powerful Republican, called the ICC a “dangerous joke” and threatened sanctions against the court and any nation cooperating with it. The Republican-controlled House of Representatives previously passed a bill to sanction the court, though it hasn’t yet been considered by the Senate. Senator Tom Cotton went further, suggesting the use of military force against the court.

The US and Israel, neither members of the ICC, reject the court’s jurisdiction in Gaza and the West Bank. However, the ICC asserts jurisdiction based on Palestine’s status as a signatory to the Rome Statute, which established the tribunal.

Russia has also targeted the ICC, issuing an arrest warrant for ICC Judge Haykel Ben Mahfoudh and previously indicting ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan and other officials after warrants were issued for Vladimir Putin.

Akane emphasized that these attacks jeopardize the rule of law internationally, leaving victims without recourse. She stressed the court’s commitment to independence and impartiality, warning that the court’s downfall would be a catastrophic blow to international justice. The ICC’s warrant against Netanyahu marks the first time the court has issued an order for a close Western ally, highlighting the escalating tensions.

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