Washington opposes ICC action against Israel and Netanyahu

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has discovered itself at the center of international tensions, as the United States has voiced opposition to investigations into Israeli practices in Gaza.

In a recent update, White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre affirmed that the ICC does not have jurisdiction to try Israeli officials, highlighting the United States’ consistent stance against investigations of the ICC concerning Israel.

This comes amid fear among Israeli officials following rumours about the possibility of arrest warrants being issued against them.

Threats of arrest warrants

Reports are circulating of a potential imminent issuance of international arrest warrants by the ICC against key figures in the Israeli administration, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Head of state- Major Herzi Halevi, about the actions carried out during the war on Gaza.

These developments drove Netanyahu to seek assistance from US President Joe Biden to thwart these potential legal initiatives.

Potential international consequences

Matthew Gillett, professor of international law at the University of Essex, reported that people subject to ICC arrest warrants could be banned from travelling to more than 120 member countries of the court.

This context could worsen Israel’s international isolation, especially among its traditional allies, by affecting diplomatic exchanges and arms transactions.

Israeli reactions

In Israel, the prospect of these arrest warrants sparked a robust official response. Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz warned Israeli embassies to a likely intensification of anti-Semitic campaigns and called for increased security measures.

Netanyahu reiterated that the ICC’s decisions would not impact Israel’s actions but posed a serious threat to international justice.

These tensions come as Israel continues its military operations in Gaza despite a call from the UN Security Council for an immediate ceasefire, and directives from the International Court of Justice aimed at stopping genocide and improving the humanitarian situation in the region.