Three House Republicans from New York, including Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, Rep. Elise Stefanik, and Rep. Marcus Molinaro, wrote a letter urging the Biden administration to prevent the International Criminal Court (ICC) from prosecuting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials for alleged war crimes. The lawmakers expressed concerns that the ICC plans to issue arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and senior officials within the Israeli Defense Forces. They emphasized the importance of the United States supporting Israel, especially as it continues its military operations in the Gaza Strip.
The letter highlighted the strain in the relationship between the Biden administration and Israel, pointing to criticisms that the administration abandoned Israel during a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for a cease-fire. The lawmakers called any attempt by the ICC to prosecute Israeli government leaders during their defensive war against Hamas troubling and urged President Biden to defend Israel. They emphasized that Israel has made efforts to minimize civilian casualties and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, while terrorist groups have targeted civilians.
Critics have accused Biden of abandoning Israel amid growing tensions with the Jewish state. The lawmakers stressed the need for the United States to pressure the ICC to prevent arrest warrants against Israeli officials, suggesting that the ICC should focus on prosecuting terrorist group leaders in Gaza instead. They called for severe consequences for those engaged in what they described as a “sham prosecution” and expressed hope that the administration would stand with Israel and reject any attempts to execute the warrants.
Israeli officials are growing increasingly concerned that the ICC could issue arrest warrants against them as the country continues its prolonged conflict with Hamas. The ICC was established to prosecute individuals responsible for war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and the crime of aggression. Netanyahu has stated that Israel will not accept any attempt by the ICC to undermine its right to self-defense, emphasizing the dangerous precedent it would set. Israel’s Foreign Ministry has informed missions abroad of rumors that the court could order the arrest of senior Israeli political and military officials.
In response to reports of potential arrest warrants from the ICC, three House Republicans from New York have written a letter urging the Biden administration to prevent the prosecution of Israeli leaders. They have called for the focus to be on prosecuting terrorist groups in Gaza instead of targeting Israeli officials. Israel has faced criticisms for its military operations in the Gaza Strip, but the lawmakers emphasized that Israel has made efforts to minimize civilian casualties and provide humanitarian aid. The letter reflects growing concerns about the relationship between the Biden administration and Israel amid tensions in the region.
