Washington DC [US], November 22: US President-elect Donald Trump’s National Security Advisor nominee, Mike Waltz, has firmly rejected allegations made by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Waltz described the charges as lacking credibility and emphasized Israel’s right to self-defense.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Waltz stated, “The ICC has no credibility, and these allegations have been refuted by the US government. Israel has lawfully defended its people & borders from genocidal terrorists. You can expect a strong response to the antisemitic bias of the ICC & UN come January.”
ICC’s Arrest Warrants and Global Reactions
The ICC recently issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and a senior Hamas official for alleged war crimes during the conflict following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel. The court’s decision has sparked diverse international reactions.
- European Union Stance: France and the Netherlands have stated they will respect the ICC warrants. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell emphasized that the court’s decisions are binding on all ICC member states.
- Legal Implications: Attorney Yuval Kaplinsky, a former head of Israel’s International Law Department, warned that Netanyahu and Gallant could face arrest and extradition if they travel to ICC member countries.
Israeli Response
Netanyahu’s office condemned the ICC’s decision, labeling it “antisemitic.” A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office rejected the allegations as “false” and “absurd.” It also accused ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan of bias and misconduct, including allegations of sexual harassment.
“The prosecutor lied when he told American senators he would not act against Israel without hearing its side. He canceled a planned visit to Israel shortly after harassment allegations against him surfaced and issued these warrants instead,” the statement read, according to The Times of Israel.
Despite the ICC’s lack of enforcement mechanisms, Israel and the US have dismissed its credibility, as neither country is a member of the court. However, ICC member nations may still act on the warrants, creating potential diplomatic risks for Israeli officials.
The case highlights escalating tensions between Israel and international institutions, with the US government signaling strong support for its ally under Trump’s incoming administration.
