The United States on Thursday dismissed the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) issuance of arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The White House criticized the court’s actions, citing procedural flaws and expressing concern over the speed of the ICC Prosecutor’s decisions.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the White House National Security Council said, “The United States fundamentally rejects the Court’s decision to issue arrest warrants for senior Israeli officials. We remain deeply concerned by the Prosecutor’s rush to seek arrest warrants and the troubling process errors that led to this decision.”
The U.S. government is reportedly consulting with its allies to determine the appropriate response to the ICC’s actions, which have drawn significant international attention and sparked controversy.
Background on ICC’s Arrest Warrants
The ICC announced on Thursday that the warrants stem from alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed between October 8, 2023, and May 20, 2024, during Israel’s military operations in Gaza. The court has accused Netanyahu and Gallant of direct involvement in these violations.
According to an ICC statement, the warrants, initially classified as secret, were made public to safeguard witnesses, protect the integrity of ongoing investigations, and inform victims and their families.
The tribunal stated, “The Chamber issued warrants of arrest for two individuals, Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu and Mr. Yoav Gallant, for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed from at least 8 October 2023 until at least 20 May 2024, the day the Prosecution filed the applications for warrants of arrest.”
The warrants also include Mohammed Deif, a senior Hamas military commander, for his alleged role in Hamas’s activities during the conflict. However, claims of Deif’s death in a July 13 airstrike remain unconfirmed, as Hamas denies the reports.
Israel’s Response
Israeli officials, including Netanyahu and Gallant, have vehemently denied the allegations. Israel maintains that the ICC lacks jurisdiction over the matter, given that it is not a member state of the court.
The allegations relate to the Gaza conflict that began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel, resulting in over 1,200 civilian deaths. Israel responded with military operations in Gaza, which have led to significant civilian casualties. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza has reported over 44,000 deaths and more than 100,000 injuries since the conflict began, which has lasted over 13 months.
Previous ICC Actions
The ICC’s Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan requested the warrants earlier this year, citing ongoing violations related to the Gaza conflict. The court noted that similar conduct described in the warrants continues to this day.
The tribunal had also sought an arrest warrant for Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh. However, this was dropped following his reported death in Tehran on July 31, 2024.
Broader Implications
The ICC’s actions have amplified international debate over accountability in protracted conflicts and the limits of the court’s jurisdiction. The U.S., a longstanding ally of Israel and non-member of the ICC, has consistently opposed efforts it views as targeting Israeli officials disproportionately.
