ICC Rejects Appeal, Issues Arrest Warrants for Top Israeli Officials

Earlier this year, the International Criminal Court (ICC) ruled that Israel had committed war crimes, and those responsible would be held accountable.

This week, appeals by Israel were rejected, and the ICC issued arrest warrants for PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

Appeal Rejected

This decision, needless to say, is creating outrage around the world by Israel’s allies.

During the hearings, the ICC’s prosecutor general charged Netanyahu with using “starvation of civilians as a method of warfare” and “intentionally directing attacks against a civilian population.”

Hamas leader Yahya Sinawar was also charged with “war crimes and crimes against humanity.”

When the charges against Israel were announced, most American politicians were outraged, while members of the Squad jumped at the opportunity to pile on against Israel. With this denial of the appeal, Netanyahu is officially a war criminal.

Outrage Over Ruling

Israeli President Isaac Herzog was among the first to rip the ICC for this ridiculous ruling, stating, "Taken in bad faith, the outrageous decision at the ICC has turned universal justice into a universal laughingstock. It makes a mockery of the sacrifice of all those who fight for justice – from the Allied victory over the Nazis till today.”

Senator Lindsey Graham was also critical of the ruling, stating, “The International Corrupt Criminal Court has acted in the most absurd and irresponsible manner possible by issuing arrest warrants against the Prime Minister and former Defense Minister of Israel while there is a serious cloud of allegations hanging over the prosecutor who sought these warrants.”

Netanyahu’s office responded, stating, “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not give in to pressure. He will continue to pursue all the objectives that Israel set out to achieve in its just war against Hamas and the Iranian axis of terror.”

Newly elected Senate Majority Leader-elect John Thune (R-S.D.) added, "If the ICC and its prosecutor do not reverse their outrageous and unlawful actions to pursue arrest warrants against Israeli officials, the Senate should immediately pass sanctions legislation, as the House has already done on a bipartisan basis.

“If Majority Leader Schumer does not act, the Senate Republican majority will stand with our key ally Israel and make this – and other supportive legislation – a top priority in the next Congress."

You Will Be Arrested

Technically, law enforcement in any country that is part of the ICC should arrest Netanyahu if he steps foot on their soil, which, of course, would include the United States, but that will never happen here.

Not shockingly, Canadian Prime Miniter Justin Trudeau stated that if Netanyahu were to step foot in Canada, he would arrest him. He stated, “We are one of the founding members of the International Criminal Court, and International Court of Justice. We stand up for international law, and we will abide by all the regulations and rulings of the international courts.”

This is a complete and utter joke, as Israel has gone to great lengths to protect citizens whenever possible during its strikes, but they are dealing with a terrorist organization that hides among civilians, so there will be collateral damage. I agree with Thune… the ICC is a joke, and the United States must act to strike back against these ridiculous arrest warrants.