US President Biden backs Israel, criticizing ICC’s arrest warrants
During a celebration for Jewish American Heritage Month at the White House on Monday, U.S. President Joe Biden defended Israel’s ongoing military operations in the Gaza Strip, asserting that the situation there does not constitute genocide.
“Let me be clear: contrary to allegations against Israel made by the International Court of Justice, what’s happening is not genocide. We reject that,” Biden stated, reaffirming the U.S. stance on the matter.
Additionally, U.S. President Joe Biden strongly criticized the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor’s application for arrest warrants for senior Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, labeling the move as “outrageous.” He emphasized that there is no equivalence between Israel and Hamas, reaffirming unwavering support for Israel’s security.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken echoed Biden’s sentiments, questioning the ICC’s jurisdiction and process in making the application. Blinken warned that the move could jeopardize negotiations aimed at achieving a ceasefire and securing the release of hostages.
ICC prosecutor Karim Khan had requested arrest warrants for Netanyahu, the defense chief, and three Hamas leaders over war crimes.
Blinken stated that Israel was ready to cooperate with the court and that the prosecutor was slated to visit Israel as early as next week. However, instead, the prosecutor announced the charges on cable television. “These and other circumstances raise doubts about the legitimacy and credibility of this investigation,” he added.
On the other hand, in 2020, the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump accused the ICC of encroaching on U.S. national sovereignty after the ICC authorized an investigation into war crimes committed in Afghanistan. In response, the U.S. imposed sanctions on ICC staff, including then-prosecutor Fatou Bensouda, through asset freezes and travel bans.
However, upon taking office, the Biden administration reversed this stance. In April 2021, President Joe Biden’s administration lifted the sanctions imposed on ICC personnel, signaling a shift in policy towards the ICC and a renewed commitment to international cooperation and diplomacy.
Since October 7, Israel has reportedly been responsible for the deaths of more than 35,500 Palestinians in Gaza. This significant loss of life, coupled with air and ground attacks, has left the Palestinian enclave devastated, resulting in widespread internal displacement and severe shortages of basic necessities.
