US plans to supersede ICC with sanctions for seeking arrest of Netanyahu
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Washington DC: With the announcement of its proposal to impose sanctions, in collaboration with Congress, on International Criminal Court officials for seeking arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Biden administration is positioning itself as a force seeking to override the authority of the international legal court.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed willingness to collaborate with Congress on potential sanctions against ICC officials following Prosecutor Karim Khan's announcement targeting Netanyahu and Israel's defence chief, along with Hamas leaders for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the Gaza conflict.
During a Senate appropriations subcommittee hearing, Republican Lindsey Graham expressed to Blinken his desire for renewed US sanctions on the court in reaction to the announcement made by ICC prosecutor Karim Khan on Monday.
Although the US, not a member of the ICC, welcomed the issuance of an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin over the Ukraine conflict, the US would become party to a double standard when it comes to the case of Netanyahu, who has defied international pressure by attacking Gaza which caused a death toll that continues to rise, including children and women.
This latest development underscores longstanding tensions between the US and the ICC. Former President Donald Trump's administration had accused the ICC of overstepping its bounds and encroaching on U.S. sovereignty when it launched an investigation into alleged war crimes in Afghanistan. In response, Trump imposed sanctions on ICC staff, which were lifted by President Biden shortly after taking office.
Now, with renewed calls for sanctions against the ICC in light of its actions regarding Israel, bipartisan efforts are underway in Congress. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham has advocated for imposing sanctions, citing concerns over the ICC's perceived bias against Israel and the need to protect U.S. interests. Blinken's acknowledgement of potential collaboration with Congress signals a willingness to address the issue head-on.
However, any legislative action to sanction the ICC would require bipartisan support, given Democrats' control of the Senate. The Biden administration faces a delicate balancing act as it navigates the complexities of international law, diplomacy, and domestic politics in responding to the ICC's controversial move.
The outcome of this unfolding saga will not only impact US-ICC relations but also reverberate across the broader geopolitical landscape, with implications for future international criminal prosecutions and efforts to address conflicts like the one in Gaza.