UPDATE 1: Biden denounces ICC’s arrest warrants for Israeli leaders as “outrageous”
President Joe Biden criticized the International Criminal Court prosecutor’s request for arrest warrants for senior Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as “outrageous.” He emphasized that there is no equivalence between Israel and Hamas, pledging unwavering support for Israel’s security.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken also denounced the move, questioning the court’s jurisdiction and process. He warned that the application could hinder negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage deal.
ICC prosecutor Karim Khan sought arrest warrants for Netanyahu, the defense chief, and three Hamas leaders for alleged war crimes. Blinken expressed concerns about the legitimacy of the investigation, noting that the prosecutor had announced the charges on television instead of visiting Israel as planned.
The Trump administration had clashed with the ICC over its investigation into war crimes in Afghanistan, imposing sanctions on court staff. Biden’s administration lifted these sanctions in April 2021, signaling a shift in approach towards the ICC.
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