Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday asked President Biden to help prevent the International Criminal Court from issuing arrest warrants for senior Israeli officials in connection with the Gaza war, two Israeli officials told Axios.
Why it matters: Israeli officials have become increasingly concerned over the past two weeks that the International Criminal Court is preparing to issue arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevy.
Behind the scenes: Officials said Netanyahu expressed concerns to Biden in a phone call Sunday, during which the two leaders also discussed hostage negotiations, defending Israel against missile attack Iran and the need to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza, White said. Home readings.
The International Criminal Court, based in The Hague, Netherlands, has been investigating possible war crimes committed by Israeli forces and Palestinian militants since the 2014 war between Israel and Hamas.
U.S. officials said they had no clear indication whether the ICC would issue arrest warrants, but said the prosecutor's office was under pressure from NGOs and several ICC member states to do so. TO DO.
What they're saying: "Under my leadership, Israel will never accept any attempt by the ICC to undermine its inherent right to self-defense," Netanyahu said in a statement on Friday (10).
He added: “While the ICC will not affect Israel's actions, it will set a dangerous precedent that will threaten soldiers and leaders of all democracies who fight against brutal terrorism and wanton aggression. »
A spokesperson for the White House National Security Council declined to comment on the content of Netanyahu's call with Biden, but told Axios: "As we have said publicly on several occasions, the ICC does not has no jurisdiction in this situation and we do not support his investigation." "
Between the lines: In March 2023, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin for his alleged involvement in the kidnapping of Ukrainian children and teenagers.
Overview: The International Court of Justice, a separate body also based in The Hague, is hearing a case brought by South Africa alleging that Israel is committing genocide through its military campaign in Gaza.
Israel denounced the case as "baseless" and US officials defended Israel at the International Court of Justice.