ICC chief arrested: Republican senators play the intimidation card

“Attack Israel and we will attack you” the senators, led by Tom Cotton, wrote in a letter. “Such acts would be illegitimate, have no basis in law and, if they occur, will result in severe sanctions against you and your institution.”

Senators Mitch McConnell (minority leader), Rick Scott, Tim Scott, Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio also signed the letter amid growing concern that the courtUN can decide to issue arrest warrants against Israeli military political officials in the context of the seven-month war in Gaza. This would include Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and General Herzi Halevi, the Chief of Staff.

While reports suggested that the United States and Israel had taken initiatives to try to deter Court for issuing a warrant, prosecutor R CPI he said on Friday that if the latter “welcome open communication” with civil servants or those from non-governmental bodies, would only participate in such a dialogue “if it fulfills the requirements of the Court’s mandate as defined by the Rome Statute – preservation of independence and impartiality” instances. “This independence and impartiality is, however, undermined when individuals threaten to initiate retaliation… if the Office, in accordance with its mandate, is required to make certain decisions regarding investigations or cases falling within its jurisdiction,” he added. He asked that “All attempts to embarrass, intimidate or influence judicial officers cease immediately.”

The senators, however, in their letter accuse the ICC, “Try to sanction Israel for taking legitimate acts of self-defense against its aggressors, Iranian-backed aggressors. In fact, you yourself said, you witnessed ‘scenes of calculated cruelty’ resulting from Hamas attacks in Israel, following the October 7 massacre.

K. Khan visited Israel in December 2023, at the request of the families of the hostages. During his visit, he visited some communities that were ravaged by terrorists on October 7, including Kibbutz Beeri and Kibbutz Kfar Aza. He listened to the testimonies of survivors of the massacre.

“Such arrest warrants would make the International Criminal Court the equivalent of a state known to be the biggest sponsor of terrorism and its proxy. To put it plainly, there is no equivalence between Hamas terrorism and Israel’s justified response.” the senators continue in their mission.

The letter sent by the senators also states that CPI can only prosecute individuals belonging to countries whose governments “they don’t want – or can’t – self-discipline”. “You yourself said that ‘Israel has professional lawyers who advise commanders and also has a strong system aimed at ensuring respect for international humanitarian law.’ By issuing an arrest warrant, you would call into question the legitimacy of Israel’s laws, legal system and democratic form of government. the senators confirm in their mission. “If you take these steps, we, for our part, will take steps to remove any perception of American support for the ICC, sanction your employees and your associates, and ban you and your families from American soil. continues the message. “You have been warned.”

In recent weeks, Israel has reportedly informed the United States that the Palestinian Authority is likely to force a court to issue arrest warrants, adding that such a case would result in retaliation on its part. Last week, Axios indicated that members of the US Congress, on both sides of the political spectrum, have warned CPI that Washington could also retaliate in court if arrest warrants were issued – including passing legislation that would sanction those responsible for Court – fearing that such an initiative would destroy hopes of a truce for the hostages.