The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Thursday issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, rejecting procedural challenges from Israel. Both leaders face charges of crimes against humanity and war crimes, including the alleged use of starvation as a weapon and targeting civilians.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog strongly condemned the ICC’s decision, labeling it “outrageous” and accusing the court of undermining justice. In a statement, Herzog argued that the ruling ignored Hamas’ alleged use of human shields and its attacks on Israel, including the October 7, 2023, assault that escalated the current conflict.
“By siding with terror and evil over democracy and freedom, the ICC has turned the system of justice into a human shield for Hamas’ crimes,” Herzog said. He also warned that the decision reflects a broader threat posed by “an Iranian empire of evil” intent on destabilizing the region and the world.
Israel had argued that the ICC lacked jurisdiction, as it does not recognize Palestinian statehood. However, the court ruled it could act under the “territorial jurisdiction of Palestine.” Other procedural challenges raised by Israel were also dismissed.
The move has drawn sharp criticism from U.S. lawmakers. Senate Majority Leader-elect John Thune threatened sanctions against the ICC if it did not reverse its actions. Thune pledged that a Republican-controlled Senate would prioritize supporting Israel and countering the court’s decisions.
“If the ICC and its prosecutor do not reverse their outrageous and unlawful actions… the Senate should immediately pass sanctions legislation,” Thune wrote on social media. He also urged the current Senate leadership to act swiftly.
The United States does not officially recognize the ICC’s authority, and this is not the first time Washington has taken a stance against its actions. The Trump administration imposed sanctions in 2020 when the court sought to investigate alleged war crimes involving U.S. personnel in Afghanistan. These sanctions were later reversed by the Biden administration.
The ICC’s ruling represents a significant escalation in international scrutiny of Israeli military actions, while sparking a broader geopolitical debate about the court’s role and jurisdiction.
