Fri Jan 17 09:17:22 UTC 2025: **ICC Prosecutor Defends War Crimes Case Against Netanyahu Amidst US Sanctions Threat**
The Hague, Netherlands – International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan has defended the ICC’s decision to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and others, citing Israel’s lack of genuine effort to investigate alleged war crimes. Khan’s statement follows a vote by the US House of Representatives to sanction the ICC in protest.
The warrants, issued last November, allege war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the Gaza conflict. Israel denies the allegations and rejects the ICC’s jurisdiction. The US, a staunch ally of Israel, is not an ICC member and has criticized the warrants.
Khan told Reuters that despite Israel’s legal expertise, investigations into the alleged crimes haven’t met the required standards. He emphasized that the ICC acts as a court of last resort and hopes Israel will still launch a credible investigation, potentially allowing the case to be transferred back to Israeli courts.
The US House’s passage of the Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act underscores strong Republican support for Israel. The ICC expressed concern over the potential sanctions, warning that they could obstruct justice for victims of atrocities. This isn’t the first time the US has targeted the ICC; previous sanctions imposed during the Trump administration were later lifted. Any new sanctions under a potential Trump presidency are expected to be more severe.
Khan expressed concern over the threat of sanctions against the ICC, highlighting the court’s international standing and the potential impact on its ability to function effectively. He declined to speculate on the potential consequences of further US actions.
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