US Opposes ICC Action against Israel Amid Fears of Arrest Warrants
Stance and Diplomatic Efforts
The United States has warned the International Criminal Court (ICC) against issuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other military officials for alleged war crimes. The US believes such action would hinder efforts to secure a ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
The Israeli government has reportedly been lobbying the US and other allies to help prevent the ICC from taking action. A government source confirmed that the National Security Council, along with the Foreign Ministry, is leading the campaign.
Fear of Antisemitism
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz has instructed the country’s embassies abroad to prepare for a surge in antisemitism if the ICC proceeds with the arrest warrants. Katz believes the warrants could trigger a backlash against Jewish communities around the world.
US-Mediated Ceasefire Efforts
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has urged Hamas to accept Israel’s peace proposal and release hostages. Blinken stated that the only obstacle to a ceasefire is Hamas’s unwillingness to compromise.
Israel has offered to release 40 hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. The proposed truce would also include a “period of sustained calm,” which could serve as a step toward a permanent ceasefire.
ICC Investigation
The ICC launched an investigation into possible war crimes committed during the 2014 Israel-Hamas conflict. The Court has not confirmed whether it will issue arrest warrants for Netanyahu and other Israeli officials.
However, NBC News reported that the ICC is “has an ongoing independent investigation in relation to the Situation in the State of Palestine.” The Court declined to provide further comment on the arrest warrants.
US Human Rights Concerns
Despite its opposition to ICC action against Israel, the US has raised concerns over human rights violations by Israeli forces in Gaza. A State Department spokesperson announced that Washington has identified five units responsible for gross violations.
Casualty Toll Rises
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has continued to escalate, with the death toll in Gaza reaching 40 on Monday. The majority of fatalities occurred in Rafah, the last Hamas stronghold in the Strip, where an Israeli assault is expected.
The total number of Palestinians killed since October 2023 now stands at 34,488, while the Israeli death toll has reached 1,200.
Reactions and Analysis
* **Israeli officials:** Fear the ICC arrest warrants could weaken Israel’s position and lead to a protracted conflict.
* **ICC advocates:** Argue that the Court should pursue accountability for war crimes, regardless of the political consequences.
* **Human rights groups:** Condemn the ongoing violence and urge all parties to respect international law.
* **Experts:** Believe the ICC’s decision on the arrest warrants could significantly impact the trajectory of the conflict and future peace efforts.
also read:UNSC Resolution Impact on Gaza Conflict: Promises Unmet as Death Toll Rises