The International Criminal Court in The Hague (ICC) can expect measures from the United States should there be arrest warrants for Israeli officials. Both Democrats and Republicans from Congress have warned the ICC about this, Axios reports. “The ICC has no jurisdiction in this situation and we do not support its investigation,” the White House said.
‘US threatens measures against criminal court in The Hague’
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The arrest warrants could follow from investigations that the ICC has been conducting since 2014 into both possible Israeli and Palestinian war crimes. “This is not just about what took place on and since October 7 in Israel and Gaza,” Hahn emphasizes. Israeli media earlier this week reported possible arrest warrants being issued for senior Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
The Hague invasion
The ICC, not to be confused with the International Court of Justice in The Hague, is already a body little liked by the US. For example, it is not recognized by the US. At the beginning of this century, the US also passed a law informally ‘The Hague Invasion Act‘ is called. If there is an arrest of Americans resulting from an order from the International Criminal Court, the US will authorize the release of those persons. An invasion of American soldiers in the Netherlands is therefore a possibility.
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Possible sanctions
The White House has already spoken out against the investigation into possible crimes. “The ICC has no jurisdiction in this situation and we do not support its investigation,” the White House said. Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson is also fierce about the investigation and possible arrest warrants. He stated that it is “shameful” and “lawless” and also fears persecution of Americans. “If the Biden administration does not act against this, the ICC could create and assume unprecedented powers to issue arrest warrants against American political leaders, American diplomats and American military personnel.”
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The Americans are now considering possible sanctions against officials of the International Criminal Court. The Republicans in Congress in particular seem to be hinting at this, although they say they hope it does not come to that. Some Democrats also appear to be in favor of countermeasures if arrest warrants are issued. For example, one Democrat says he expects ‘major consequences from Congress and the president’.
Diplomats increase pressure
Diplomats from the G7 countries are also putting pressure on the Criminal Court in The Hague. ‘They say that if there is a judgement, arrest warrant or suspicion now, the chance of a break in the fighting will be reduced.’ According to Hahn, it is therefore a major dilemma for the ICC. ‘Of course you want no one to be above the law, and that also applies to world leaders.’
