Joe Biden criticizes ‘outrageous’ ICC attempt to arrest Israeli leaders during conflict | Global News

US President Joe Biden has strongly condemned the International Criminal Court’s prosecutor for seeking an arrest warrant for Israel’s prime minister and defense minister. The move by ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan to pursue arrest warrants against Israeli leaders Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant, as well as top Hamas leaders, has sparked outrage.

In a statement, Biden expressed his support for Israel, stating that there is no equivalence between Israel and Hamas. He emphasized that the United States will always stand with Israel against threats to its security. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also warned that the ICC’s actions could harm efforts to secure a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

Despite recent disagreements with Israel over its conduct in the Gaza war, Biden’s administration has stood firmly against the ICC’s bid to arrest Israeli leaders. The White House has not ruled out potential retaliatory actions against the ICC if it continues to target Israel.

The US lawmakers are reportedly considering a legislative response to the ICC’s move, which has drawn bipartisan criticism. The Biden administration’s stance reflects a complex relationship with the ICC, as it has supported the court’s efforts in some cases while denouncing its actions in others.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin affirmed that the US will continue to assist the ICC in its investigation into alleged war crimes in Ukraine, despite condemning the ICC’s actions against Israel. The situation remains tense as the international community watches closely for further developments in this ongoing diplomatic dispute.