Biden Betrayal: Is the US setting up Israeli leaders for war crimes prosecution?

Apr 28, 2024 10:53 am | News, Ticker, Virtual Jerusalem

The International Criminal Court appears prepared to file criminal charges against Prime Minister Netanyahu and other senior Israeli officials and IDF officers on war crimes charges. The Biden Administration does not appear ready to stop the outrage.

The International Criminal Court in the Hague appears ready to issue arrest warrants against the most senior Israeli leaders on war crime charges for events dating back up to a decade.

There is evidence that the process is being instigated or at least tolerated by the US Administration, which appears ready to use this club as leverage against the Israeli government to prevent an operation in Rafah and to force submission to the Biden desire to force a Palestinian State down Israel’s throat.

This dramatic development has the potential for tremendous disruption to the war against Hamas and to negotations over a potential humanitarian release of hostages. Israel has already made far-reaching concession in deference to an American outline of a deal with Hamas to release up to 33 female, older, and injured captives. But this appears insufficient to mollify the Biden Administration, which is now saying that there can be no more civilian casualties and that any Israeli plan to enter the remaining Hamas strongholds in southern Gaza will be forcefully opposed by the United States.

Biden Administration Removed Trump Sanction Threat on ICC

The United States has historically been a strong opponent of the ICC’s attempts to prosecute citizens of non-member states, especially allies like Israel. The U.S. has its set of legal objections to the ICC, which aligns with Israel’s views, especially regarding jurisdiction and legitimacy. The U.S. support is crucial for Israel, not just in the diplomatic arena but also in setting a broader international precedent.

Under the Trump administration, the U.S. imposed sanctions on ICC officials to counteract investigations into American troops and intelligence operatives. This kind of strong stance could serve as a model for Israel to push for a similar approach to protect its military and political leaders from ICC prosecution. Current and ongoing U.S. positions under the Biden administration, however, have lifted the threat of sanctions against ICC and its leaders.

Netanyahu Takes Strong Stance Rejecting ICC Authority

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, posting on X, rejected any recognition of the ICC and its “outrageous” lawfare threats.

Charges and Accusations

Three Palestinian groups have officially requested the ICC to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other high-ranking officials, accusing them of genocide and crimes against humanity. This includes imposing a severe blockade on Gaza and conducting attacks on densely populated civilian areas. Notably, the request also targets Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

Political Dynamics and ICC Proceedings

The ICC’s decisions and its timing of investigations seem influenced by broader geopolitical pressures and the political landscape, particularly the transitions in leadership within the court itself. For instance, there’s noted speculation that the court has faced external pressures, which may impact the pace and focus of its investigations.

This situation remains fluid, with potential for significant international legal and political ramifications.

From the Israeli perspective, the potential ICC actions represent a significant challenge, both legally and diplomatically. Israel has historically viewed the ICC’s scrutiny and potential indictments with considerable skepticism and as a politically motivated tool used by its adversaries to delegitimize its actions, particularly in conflict zones like Gaza.

Israeli Strategies to Counter the Pending ICC Move

  1. Diplomatic Lobbying: Israel’s strategy to counter the ICC’s moves heavily relies on diplomatic lobbying. The country has been actively seeking to strengthen its international alliances, particularly with major powers such as the United States, which share its concerns about the ICC’s jurisdiction and its potential to be used as a political instrument against allies. Reports indicate that the Israeli foreign ministry has issued urgent directives to its ambassadors worldwide to rally support against the ICC’s actions and to enlist powerful nations to influence the court’s decisions​.
  2. Legal Arguments Against ICC Jurisdiction: Israel maintains that the ICC lacks jurisdiction over its nationals because Israel is not a signatory to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC. This legal stance is pivotal in Israel’s argument that the ICC cannot legitimately prosecute Israeli citizens. The Israeli government also argues that it has its mechanisms for investigating allegations of war crimes, thus suggesting that the principle of complementarity (which the ICC adheres to, preferring national courts to take precedence in prosecuting crimes) should preclude the ICC’s involvement.
  3. Historical Precedents and Political Pressure: Israel has experience in managing international legal challenges and has previously navigated similar threats by leveraging both its legal positions and international relations. For example, Israeli officials have, in the past, avoided travel to certain countries where they might be arrested under international warrants. This not only involves altering travel plans but also negotiating with other countries to ensure that international norms are interpreted in ways that are favorable to Israel’s interpretation of international law​.

5 Comments

  1. Arthur

    Another American betrayal if an Allie does anything that doesn’t suit America, it will turn on them. We must learn that lesson, America looks only for its on interest.

  2. HECTOR BAYATE

    Biden did not purposely side with our biggest enemy and biggest supporter of terrorism when he lifted all the sanctions imposed to Iran.

    He did not (knowingly) help terrorism and the enemies of this country and Israel when he gave billions of dollars to Iran, and continues supporting the Palestinian terrorists in Gaza, pretending it’s for the “innocent Palestinian population”!

    He’s simply following “orders”, or applying policies already being put in place previously when he was vice-president under The Obama administration, they are the enemies of capitalism and freedom.

    He is a decrepit old man who has been a corrupted liar all his life, and there is no turning back for him, of “what or who he is”.

    He’s simply a tool or a puppet for the ones telling him “What to do” who obviously hate this country, because of their fanaticism or ideology!
    The treason and betrayal of this country and Israel began when Obama became president in 2008!

    All democrats, and all the media who are part of their propaganda (including Fox News and Newsmax) who are only pretending to be fair, along with many republicans and conservatives who accept all the narratives (lies) from them (liberal democrats) or progressives, environmentalists, social justice fighters, social democrats, socialists or communists along with Islamic terrorists, they’re all on the betrayal or destruction of this country, it’s not “just” Biden!

    The reaction from this government favoring or not condemning the protest in many cities, universities and states that are supporting the worst of terrorism, however, with the media and the rest (all mentioned above) lying or pretending is about innocent Palestinians, however, it’s not because they’re afraid of “not getting their votes”.

    They all know they are going to vote for the puppet president, Biden.

    It’s just time for them to come out without any fear, they have the power and full support from every part of this government and the media.

    Now, breaking the law against the opposition is OK as President Biden, all the media and democrats laugh and support the abuse of power being committed against former president Trump and law-abiding citizens just for dissent or being patriots who love this country, as the constitution is used as a toilet paper.

    The actions and reactions of this government are because the ones in power are part of a war against capitalism and freedom, they clearly favor China and the terrorists’ enemies of this country, it’s not “just” Biden, or Biden’s incompetence!

    Héctor Bayate

  3. HECTOR BAYATE

    Biden did not purposely side with our biggest enemy and biggest supporter of terrorism when he lifted all the sanctions imposed to Iran.

    He did not (knowingly) help terrorism and the enemies of this country and Israel when he gave billions of dollars to Iran, and continues supporting the Palestinian terrorists in Gaza, pretending it’s for the “innocent palestinian population”!

    He’s simply following “orders”, or applying policies already being put in place previously when he was vice-president under The Obama administration, they are the enemies of capitalism and freedom.

    He is a decrepit old man who has been a corrupted liar all his life, and there is no turning back for him, of “what or who he is”.

    He’s simply a tool or a puppet for the ones telling him “what to do” who obviously hate this country, because of their fanaticism or ideology!
    The treason and betrayal of this country and Israel began when Obama became president in 2008!

    All democrats,and all the media who are part of their propaganda (including Fox News and Newsmax) who are only pretending to be fair, along with many republicans and conservatives who accept all the narratives (lies) from them (liberal democrats) or progressives, environmentalists, social justice fighters, social democrats, socialists or communists along with Islamic terrorists, they’re all on the betrayal or destruction of this country, it’s not “just” Biden!

    The reaction from this government favoring or not condemning the protest in many cities, universities and states that are supporting the worst of terrorims, however, with the media and the rest (all mentioned above) lying or pretending is about innocent palestinians, however, it’s not because they’re afraid of “not getting their votes”.

    They all know they are going to vote for the puppet president, Biden.

    It’s just time for them to come out without any fear, they have the power and full support from every part of this government and the media.

    Now, breaking the law against the opposition is OK as President Biden, all the media and democrats laugh and support the abuse of power being committed against former president Trump and law abiding citizens just for dissent or being patriots who love this country, as the constitution is used as a toilet paper.

    The actions and reactions of this government are because the ones in power are part of a war against capitalism and freedom, they clearly favor China and the terrorists enemies of this country, it’s not “just” Biden, or Biden’s incompetence!

    Héctor Bayate

  4. Sandra L SMITH

    “Biden” is an anti-Semite! He’s just showing his true colors. And clearly Hamas savages lives matter more than Israeli civilians who’s lives will be lost due to any such action!

  5. Frick

    Will they be arresting him while he is fighting a war for his country? God help us all.

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