US Reversal on ICC Sanctions Stings Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the Biden administration’s change in stance regarding sanctions against the International Criminal Court, which is seeking arrest warrants against him and the defense minister.

During an interview set to air on Sunday, Netanyahu expressed his surprise and disappointment with the administration’s shift, as reported by Politico on Wednesday.

Netanyahu mentioned his concern during a meeting with former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley on Wednesday, expressing his disappointment with the administration’s decision to back off from imposing sanctions, according to the Times of Israel.

Last week, Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemned the ICC’s actions and hinted at imposing sanctions, but White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre later stated that sanctions were not the appropriate response. House Republicans had introduced a bill to sanction individuals involved in targeting American citizens or allied officials, including those from Israel.

According to ICC expert David Bosco, the Biden administration’s reluctance to impose sanctions may stem from uncertainty about their effectiveness, as well as a desire to differentiate from the Trump administration’s approach to the issue.