Biden says no to accusations against Israel from ICC
President Biden made a bold statement on Monday, firmly rejecting accusations leveled by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Israel’s conduct during its conflict with Hamas. The ICC is seeking arrest warrants for Israeli leaders and top members of the terrorist group, sparking a contentious debate over alleged war crimes.
During a special event celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month in the White House Rose Garden, President Biden, accompanied by Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, addressed the ICC’s move to request arrest warrants for Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, military commander Mohammed Deif, as well as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
Biden emphatically stated, “We reject the ICC’s application for arrest warrants against Israeli leaders. Whatever these warrants may imply, there is no equivalence between Israel and Hamas. It’s evident that Israel is committed to ensuring the protection of civilians.”
However, Biden clarified his stance by saying, “Let me be clear. Contrary to the allegations brought against Israel by the International Court of Justice, what’s happening is not genocide. We reject that claim. We will always stand with Israel and support their security against any threats.”
Many critics of Israel have accused its leadership of committing genocide against Palestinians in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip and failing to safeguard innocent civilians during military actions. Israel counters these claims by highlighting Hamas’s practice of using civilian populations as shields and launching attacks from civilian buildings.
The ICC has leveled various accusations against both Hamas and Israel, including hostage-taking, murder, crimes of sexual violence, and other heinous crimes. Amal Clooney, wife of actor George Clooney, who advised ICC prosecutors in the pursuit of arrest warrants, highlighted charges against both parties, asserting Israel’s involvement in crimes such as “starvation as a method of warfare, murder, persecution, and extermination.”
Biden’s comments follow a wave of anti-Israel protests on college campuses nationwide and a troubling rise in antisemitism since the conflict escalated on October 7. Biden condemned the increasing incidents of antisemitism, stating, “On our streets, on social media, and on college campuses, it’s distressing to witness. It’s utterly reprehensible, it’s unjust, and it must come to an end.”
