The International Criminal Court (ICC) rejected challenges from Israel and issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Thursday. The ICC charged Netanyahu and Gallant with 'crimes against humanity and war crimes,' including using starvation as a method of warfare and targeting civilians.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned the move, calling it an 'outrageous decision' that 'makes a mockery of the sacrifice of all those who fight for justice.' Herzog argued that the ICC's decision ignores Hamas' use of human shields and its terror attacks that initiated the conflict.
Israel made efforts to block the ICC from approving the arrest warrants, arguing that the court had no jurisdiction over Israel. However, the ICC maintained that it could issue the warrants under the 'territorial jurisdiction of Palestine.'
The ICC's decision comes shortly after Senate Majority Leader-elect John Thune threatened to impose sanctions on the court if it proceeded with the arrest warrants. Thune emphasized that the Senate would prioritize supporting Israel and passing sanctions legislation if necessary.
The U.S. does not officially recognize the ICC's authority, and previous administrations have taken steps to oppose the court's actions. In 2020, the Trump administration opposed ICC investigations into alleged war crimes involving U.S. soldiers and the CIA, while President Biden's administration reversed those sanctions upon taking office.
