US House Republicans Urge Biden to Block ICC Arrests of Israeli Officials

Three House Republicans from New York are calling on the Biden administration to take action to prevent the International Criminal Court (ICC) from issuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli government officials for alleged war crimes.

Three House Republicans from New York have written a letter to President Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken imploring them to prevent the "sham prosecution" of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli government officials by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The letter, spearheaded by Rep. Anthony D'Esposito, R-N.Y., and co-signed by House GOP Chair Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., and Rep. Marcus Molinaro, R-N.Y., expresses "incredible concern" over reports that the ICC plans to issue arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and several senior officials within the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).

The lawmakers argue that any attempt by the ICC to prosecute Israeli leaders amid their ongoing military operations against Hamas would be "extraordinarily troubling." They assert that Israel has acted defensively and has taken steps to minimize civilian casualties.

They also criticize the Biden administration for allegedly abandoning Israel and the hostages taken by Hamas during the recent conflict in Gaza. They accuse the administration of failing to veto a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for a cease-fire, which they say has strained relations between the US and its closest ally in the Middle East.

The letter highlights that the ICC has never been recognized by any US presidential administration and that neither the US nor Israel are members of the court. The lawmakers warn that if the ICC does move forward with the alleged prosecutions, there must be "consequences" and call on the Biden administration to consider "the harshest punishments for those involved."

They argue that the ICC's resources would be better spent prosecuting the leadership of terrorist groups in Gaza, who they accuse of engaging in war crimes. They demand that the US pressure the ICC to prevent the issuance of any arrest warrants for Israeli officials.

The letter comes as Israeli officials have expressed concern that the ICC could issue such warrants. Netanyahu has stated that Israel will never accept any attempt by the ICC to undermine its right of self-defense.

Without a police force, the ICC relies on member states to arrest suspects, which has proven to be a major obstacle to prosecutions. The US has not signed onto the Rome Statute, which established the ICC, and has opposed the court's jurisdiction over US citizens.

The letter from the House Republicans reflects the ongoing tensions between the Biden administration and Israel over the conflict in Gaza and the handling of the ICC investigation. It remains to be seen what action, if any, the administration will take in response to the letter.