Former Acting Undersecretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, Mr. Nathan Sales, expressed strong opposition to the International Criminal Court's (ICC) potential move to arrest and prosecute Benjamin Netanyahu. Sales criticized the ICC, stating that it has overstepped its boundaries by equating Israel's self-defense actions with the heinous acts of terrorist organizations. He emphasized that the court's actions pose a threat not only to Israel but also to members of the U.S. Congress.
Sales explained that the ICC's jurisdiction is based on the consent of states that have ratified the underlying treaty. Notably, the United States and Israel have not ratified the treaty, foreseeing potential targeting by the ICC. Sales highlighted that the ICC's funding primarily comes from American allies such as Japan, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
Regarding the enforcement of arrest warrants, Sales clarified that the ICC relies on national police forces to carry out arrests. If an arrest warrant is issued for Netanyahu, for instance, the ICC would expect cooperation from countries he visits, potentially leading to his arrest.
Sales urged the U.S. administration to communicate with ICC-funding countries, emphasizing the role of American soldiers in protecting these nations from common adversaries. He warned against funding a court that could target American soldiers.
In response to concerns about ICC agents serving arrest warrants in conflict zones like Israel, Sales acknowledged the impracticality of such a scenario. He noted that the ICC would depend on national police forces in countries where suspects travel to enforce arrest warrants.
Sales concluded by emphasizing the need for the U.S. and its allies to take a firm stance against the ICC's actions to prevent unwarranted targeting of democratic nations and their leaders.
