The United States reacts to ICC arrest warrant for Netanyahu but so far nothing from President Biden or Trump. The EU’s reaction to the ICC arrest warrant has been dominated by its favourbale support for Netanyahu’s arrest.
The United States reacts to ICC arrest warrant for Netanyahu
The United States fundamentally rejects the kangaroo court and its decision by the ICC to issue arrest warrants for senior Israeli leaders, a National Security Council spokesperson said Thursday. However, most of its western and NATO allies disagree.
“We remain deeply concerned by the Prosecutor’s rush to seek arrest warrants and the troubling process errors that led to this decision,” the spokesperson said. “The United States has been clear that the ICC does not have jurisdiction over this matter.”
The spokesperson added that the U.S. was “discussing next steps” with its partners, including Israel.
The United States fundamentally rejects the Kangaroo court
In the US, which, like Israel, is not a member of the court, the tendency seemed to be toward complete rejection, at least in the Republican camp.
Republican US Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of President-elect Donald Trump, said on X, formerly Twitter, that “any nation that joins with the ICC after this outrage is a partner in a reckless act that tramples the rule of law.”
The U.S. Senate on Wednesday voted down a measure, led by Sen. Bernie Sanders and a handful of Democrats, that sought to block the sale of some $20 billion in U.S.-made weapons to Israel, in a last-ditch effort to limit the carnage, suffering and destruction caused by its 13-month war in Gaza.
Canadian PM Trudeau will respect ICC warrants
Canadian PM Trudeau will respect ICC warrants stating Canada will abide by all rulings issued by international courts, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Thursday.
“It’s really important that everyone abide by international law,” Trudeau said during a televised news conference when questioned on the issue.
“We stand up for international law, and we will abide by all the regulations and rulings of the international courts,” Trudeau said.
The Palestinian Authority
Palestinian politicians have celebrated a decision by the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, in relation to alleged war crimes committed in Gaza.
The Palestinian Authority (PA) government said in a statement that the court’s decision “restores hope and confidence in international law and its institutions, and in the importance of justice, accountability and the prosecution of war criminals.”
More than 120 countries are signatories to the Rome Statute, but Israel is not, nor are some major powers including the US, Russia, China and India. While the ICC cannot enforce arrests, signatory states are obliged to apprehend those facing warrants.
Barry Tigay lashed out by mocking the rule of law, depicting it as a kangaroo court, but fails to acknowledge the support he gave the ICC in the arrest for Milosovic.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) warned
Human Rights Watch (HRW) warned the “important” announcement hinges on the “governments’ willingness to support justice.”
“The ICC arrest warrants against senior Israeli leaders and a Hamas official break through the perception that certain individuals are beyond the reach of the law,” said Balkees Jarrah, an associate international justice director at HRW.
“These warrants should finally push the international community to address atrocities and secure justice for all victims in Palestine and Israel.”