Senator Risch Condemns ICC's Attempt to Arrest Israeli Officials

U.S. Senator Jim Risch has strongly criticized the International Criminal Court (ICC) for its decision to issue applications for arrest warrants for Israeli officials.

Risch, the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released a statement expressing his "deep concern and outrage" over the ICC's actions. He said that the court's decision was "an affront to justice and an attack on the sovereignty of Israel."

"The ICC's decision to target Israeli officials based on unfounded allegations is a grave injustice," Risch said. "Israel is a strong ally of the United States and shares our commitment to democratic values and the rule of law."

Risch emphasized that the ICC has no jurisdiction over Israel, as the country has not ratified the Rome Statute, which established the court. He also accused the ICC of bias against Israel, noting that the court has never issued arrest warrants against officials from other countries accused of similar crimes.

"The ICC's bias against Israel is clear and unacceptable," Risch said. "This decision is a clear attempt to delegitimize Israel and undermine its ability to defend itself against terrorism."

Risch urged the Trump administration to take strong action against the ICC, including withdrawing the United States from the court. He also called on other countries to reject the ICC's authority and support Israel's right to self-defense.

"The United States stands firmly with Israel against this outrageous attack by the ICC," Risch said. "We will not tolerate this effort to undermine Israel's sovereignty and its right to defend its citizens from terrorism."

The ICC's applications for arrest warrants come as part of its investigation into alleged war crimes committed during the 2014 Gaza conflict. The ICC has accused Israeli officials of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.

Israel has rejected the ICC's investigation as politically motivated and has vowed not to cooperate with the court. The United States has also expressed its opposition to the ICC's investigation and has urged the court to drop it.

The ICC's decision has drawn widespread criticism from both Israeli and American officials. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the decision "a war crime in itself" and said that it would "encourage terrorists."

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also condemned the ICC's decision, saying that it was "unjust and irresponsible." He said that the United States would "not stand idly by" while the ICC "attacks Israel."