The United States of America is outraged by the International Criminal Court’s request for the arrest warrants of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Galant. This statement was released by President Joe Biden on May 20th, as reported by the White House press office.
The request for the arrest warrants comes after the International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, announced her intention to investigate alleged war crimes committed by Israel in the occupied Palestinian territories. This decision has sparked controversy and strong reactions from both Israel and the United States.
In his statement, President Biden expressed his strong support for Israel and its right to defend itself. He also emphasized the importance of the United States’ longstanding relationship with Israel and its commitment to its security.
The United States has consistently opposed the International Criminal Court’s jurisdiction over Israel, as it is not a party to the Rome Statute, which established the court. This stance has been reaffirmed by the Biden administration, with White House press secretary Jen Psaki stating that the United States «has serious concerns about the ICC’s attempts to exercise its jurisdiction over Israeli personnel.»
The request for the arrest warrants has been met with strong condemnation from Israeli officials, who have accused the International Criminal Court of bias and politicization. Prime Minister Netanyahu called the decision «pure anti-Semitism,» while Defense Minister Galant stated that the court has no jurisdiction over Israel.
The United States has also expressed its concerns about the politicization of the International Criminal Court. In his statement, President Biden stated that the court’s actions are «inconsistent with its purpose and undermine its credibility.» He also called on all parties to refrain from actions that could undermine the court’s ability to fulfill its mandate.
The request for the arrest warrants has further strained the already tense relationship between the International Criminal Court and the United States. The United States has previously imposed sanctions on the court’s officials and has threatened to take further action if the court proceeds with its investigation into alleged war crimes committed by US personnel in Afghanistan.
The United States’ strong reaction to the request for the arrest warrants is not surprising, as it has consistently opposed the International Criminal Court’s jurisdiction over non-party states. However, this stance has been met with criticism from human rights organizations, who argue that the United States is trying to shield its allies from accountability for alleged war crimes.
The request for the arrest warrants also highlights the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. The International Criminal Court’s decision to investigate alleged war crimes committed by Israel in the occupied Palestinian territories has been welcomed by Palestinian officials, who see it as a step towards justice for the Palestinian people.
In conclusion, the United States’ strong reaction to the International Criminal Court’s request for the arrest warrants of Israeli officials highlights the ongoing tensions between the two parties. While the United States continues to support its ally Israel, it also raises concerns about the politicization of the International Criminal Court and its ability to fulfill its mandate. The request for the arrest warrants also sheds light on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine and the need for accountability for alleged war crimes.
