ICC warrant threat for Netanyahu
Media outlets are reporting panic among Israeli officials due to concerns that the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague could issue an arrest warrant for the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, and other cabinet members. The White House has addressed these reports.
- We've been really clear about the ICC investigation, we don't support it, we don't believe that they have the jurisdiction - stated Jean-Pierre during a White House briefing on Monday.
The spokesperson was referring to reports about the potential for the ICC to issue an arrest warrant for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.
Axios reported that Prime Minister Netanyahu discussed his concerns regarding this issue in a phone call with President Biden on Sunday. Axios also mentioned that, despite the lack of definite information regarding the ICC's plans, the court's prosecutor faces pressure from non-governmental organisations and some member states. Neither the USA nor Israel is a member of the ICC.
"ICC actions could jeopardise US national security interests"
Netanyahu commented on these speculations on Friday, declaring that Israel "will never accept any attempt by the ICC to undermine its inherent right of self-defence."
On Monday, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson urged President Biden to oppose the tribunal's intentions. Johnson stated that the ICC's actions would "directly undermine U.S. national security interests." He further noted that a lack of action from the White House could put American politicians, diplomats, and soldiers at risk of similar accusations.
The Biden administration "must immediately and unequivocally demand that the ICC stand down and the U.S. should use every available tool to prevent such an abomination", Johnson declared in a statement.
