President Joe Biden has strongly condemned the International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, for his recent request for arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Describing Khan’s move as “outrageous,” Biden reiterated his unwavering support for Netanyahu and emphasized the absence of any equivalence between Israel and Hamas.
The ICC prosecutor’s request, made public earlier on Monday, seeks the arrest of both Israeli and Hamas leaders for alleged war crimes committed during the conflict in Gaza. Khan’s proposal aims to hold these leaders accountable for their actions, citing violations of international law and crimes against humanity dating back to at least October 7, 2023.
In a firm response to the ICC prosecutor’s actions, President Biden issued a statement expressing his vehement opposition.
“The ICC prosecutor’s application for arrest warrants against Israeli leaders is outrageous,” Biden asserted. “And let me be clear: whatever this prosecutor might imply, there is no equivalence – none – between Israel and Hamas. We will always stand with Israel against threats to its security.”
Biden’s unequivocal support for Israel underscores the longstanding alliance between the United States and the Middle Eastern nation. His condemnation of the ICC’s actions reflects a broader sentiment within the U.S. administration, which views Israel as a key ally in the region.
The dispute over the ICC’s jurisdiction and its actions concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict adds another layer of complexity to an already contentious issue. As tensions continue to simmer, the international community watches closely, awaiting further developments and potential diplomatic repercussions stemming from Biden’s strong rebuke of the ICC’s prosecutor.