The United States has declared its opposition to the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) investigation into Israel’s offensive in Gaza, sparking concerns among Israeli officials about potential arrest warrants being issued. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly discussed the matter with US President Joe Biden during a recent call.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that the US does not support the ICC investigation and does not believe the court has jurisdiction in this case. Reports suggest that Netanyahu himself could be among those facing charges, with the court also considering charges against leaders of Hamas.
Israeli officials have expressed outrage at the possibility of arrest warrants being issued, vowing not to be deterred by the legal threat. Foreign Minister Israel Katz emphasized that such warrants would harm Israeli commanders and soldiers, while boosting morale for terrorist organizations like Hamas.
The ICC, which opened a probe in 2021 into Israel and Hamas for possible war crimes in the Palestinian territories, has extended its investigation to cover hostilities since Hamas’s attacks on Israel in October. While neither the US nor Israel are members of the ICC, the court has the authority to issue warrants for national leaders.
The ICC’s investigation into the conflict between Israel and Hamas underscores the complex legal and political dynamics at play in the region. The outcome of this investigation could have far-reaching implications for both Israeli and Palestinian leaders, as well as for the broader international community.