George Clooney called the White House about Israel arrest warrants.
George Clooney, the renowned Hollywood actor and activist, recently reportedly expressed his dissatisfaction with President Joe Biden for criticizing a case his wife, Amal Clooney, worked on as a human rights lawyer. This intriguing account was revealed by The Washington Post, citing three undisclosed sources familiar with a conversation between Clooney and Steve Ricchetti, counselor to the president.
The source of contention arose when Biden condemned the International Criminal Court’s move to seek arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, along with Hamas leaders, for alleged war crimes in the conflict with Hamas. Amal Clooney, being a special adviser to the court, had actually recommended this action by highlighting the importance of the laws protecting civilians in times of war, which have been in place for over a century, applying universally regardless of conflict circumstances.
However, Biden’s strong statement against the court’s actions caught Clooney off guard, with the President asserting, “The ICC prosecutor’s application for arrest warrants against Israeli leaders is outrageous.” Biden reiterated unequivocally that there was no equivalence between Israel and Hamas and vowed unwavering support for Israel’s security.
Furthermore, Clooney was said to be concerned about the potential ramifications of sanctions against the ICC, something the Biden administration was initially considering. The House recently passed a bill imposing sanctions on the court, but the Biden administration has explicitly voiced its opposition to the measure. With the Senate being controlled by Democrats, it is unlikely that the bill will progress any further.
The situation becomes even more intricate due to Clooney’s significant influence in Hollywood, which poses a delicate predicament for the White House. Clooney, along with Julia Roberts and former President Barack Obama, is scheduled to host a fundraiser for Biden in Los Angeles on June 15. In the past, Clooney’s fundraisers for Biden have been immensely successful, generating millions of dollars in support. Moreover, Biden had previously honored Clooney at the White House for his Kennedy Center Honors award, humorously referring to him as “Amal Clooney’s husband.”
It is evident that the relationship between George Clooney and President Biden has hit a rough patch, showcasing the complexities of blending personal connections with political differences. As the saga between the Hollywood icon and the President unfolds, it underscores the intricate dance between celebrity influence and governmental policies, adding an intriguing dimension to the realm of activism and politics.
