US senator threatens ICC with military action over Netanyahu sentence
US Senator Tom Cotton has warned of potential military measures against the International Criminal Court (ICC) following its issuance of arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. This response references the contentious U.S. legislation known as "The Hague Invasion Act."
In a recent statement posted on the platform X, Senator Cotton, a recipient of funding from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), highlighted the American Service-Members’ Protection Act, commonly referred to as the “Hague Invasion Act.”
A senator expressed sharp criticism of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, labeling the ICC as a “kangaroo court” and Khan as a “deranged fanatic.” The senator issued a stark warning to those attempting to enforce the ICC’s warrants, alluding to the potential consequences under the American legislation informally referred to as “The Hague Invasion Act.” This law underscores the United States’ strong stance on defending its citizens from ICC jurisdiction.
In 2002, the United States implemented the American Service-Members’ Protection Act, commonly referred to as The Hague Invasion Act, designed to safeguard U.S. military personnel and allied forces from prosecution by the International Criminal Court (ICC). This legislation grants the U.S. president the authority to take “all means necessary and appropriate,” including the deployment of military force, to secure the release of any American or allied individuals detained by the ICC in The Hague.
In the wake of the International Criminal Court’s Pre-Trial Chamber I issuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Senator Tom Cotton has issued a warning. The ICC charges allege they committed crimes against humanity and war crimes between October 8, 2023, and May 20, 2024.
According to the report, both Netanyahu and Gallant are alleged to hold criminal accountability for “the war crime of utilizing starvation as a method of warfare, along with crimes against humanity including murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts.” The report further accuses them of “intentionally directing attacks against civilian populations.”
The court has concluded that there are “reasonable grounds” to believe that Israel’s siege and military actions in Gaza have “created conditions of life” intended to potentially lead to the destruction of segments of the civilian population.
Since October of last year, the ongoing conflict between American-backed Israeli forces and groups in the Gaza Strip has resulted in the deaths of nearly 44,100 individuals, causing extensive damage throughout the Palestinian territory.
The regime’s aggressive actions have led to the deaths of nearly 3,600 individuals and caused injuries to more than 15,200 people within the Lebanese populace.
In response to the International Criminal Court’s recent issuance of arrest warrants, the Biden administration promptly dismissed the decision. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre articulated the administration’s “deep concern” regarding the ICC’s actions.
In a rare display of bipartisan agreement, U.S. lawmakers vehemently criticized the recent court ruling, with Senator Lindsey Graham, a close associate of President-elect Donald Trump, urging the imposition of sanctions on officials from the International Criminal Court.
Several member states of the International Criminal Court (ICC), including France, the United Kingdom, and Canada, have reportedly stated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would face arrest if he were to enter their territories.
Emily Thornberry, the Labour Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, stated that if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits the United Kingdom, the nation would be required to detain him under an International Criminal Court warrant, in accordance with its commitments under the Rome Statute.
