Joe Biden furious at ICC's demand for an arrest warrant against Benjamin Netanyahu, said- America is with Israel
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said that the Chief Prosecutor's request to issue arrest warrants against Israeli leaders is a historical stain that will always be remembered. At the same time, the rebel organization Hamas condemned the ICC prosecutor's request to demand the arrest of its leaders.
US President Joe Biden
US President Joe Biden has termed the war crimes prosecutor's effort to issue arrest warrants for Hamas leaders including Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu as insulting. He rejected the demand for the arrest of Netanyahu and Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Galant, saying that whatever the meaning of these prosecutors may be, there is no equality between Israel and Hamas. We always stand with Israel against any threat to its security.
In the International Criminal Court (ICC), War Crimes Prosecutor Karim Khan has accused Netanyahu, Gallant, and three Hamas leaders Yehia Sinwar, Mohammed Deif, and Ismail Haniyeh of war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip and Israel. A committee of three judges has to decide on Khan's allegations. This committee will decide whether arrest warrants should be issued against the leaders or not. Apart from this, whether the matter should be allowed to proceed further or not.
'Responsible for crimes against humanity'
Khan said on Monday that he is requesting arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders, including Netanyahu, in connection with their actions during the 7-month war. The prosecutor said that he believes that these leaders, including Netanyahu, are responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip and Israel.
Netanyahu also condemned the allegations
On the other hand, the Israeli PM and other leaders have described this effort of the war crimes prosecutor as insulting and anti-Semitic. After this, the US President joined the leaders condemned the prosecutor, and supported Israel's right to defend itself against the attack.
What could happen next?
The first thing is that the committee of judges has to decide on the charges. It may take a month or even two months for the decision to be taken. Apart from this, Israel is not a member of ICC, hence there is no threat to PM Netanyahu and Hamas leaders at present. It is true that after the arrest warrant is issued, it may be difficult for these leaders to travel abroad. This is because the countries they visit may have to follow court orders.
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