US officials slam ICC arrest warrant against Netanyahu, Gallant as outrageous, unlawful, dangerous

US officials slammed the International Criminal Court’s decision to issue an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister as a “dangerous” act invalidating the Jewish state’s right to defend itself.The White House rejected Thursday’s decision against Netanyahu and former defense chief Yoav Gallant, with incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) vowing to place sanctions against the ICC next year.

“The ICC’s arrest warrant against Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Gallant is outrageous, unlawful, and dangerous,” Thune said.“Israel has a right to defend itself, and the ICC’s rogue actions only enable the terrorists who seek to wipe Israel off the map,” he added.

Fellow Sen.Lindsey Graham (R-SC), a close ally to President-elect Donald Trump, echoed Thune’s criticisms and warning to The Hague.

“The Court is a dangerous joke.It is now time for the US Senate to act and sanction this irresponsible body,” Graham said.House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) also slammed the decision as “shameful,” vowing that Democrats would also stand by Israel.“I stand with the Biden administration in fundamentally rejecting this unserious decision.

America’s commitment to the security of Israel is ironclad and we will continue to stand by Israel’s right to defend itself against terror,” Jeffries said. Mike Pompeo, Trump’s former secretary of state, said the ICC’s decision ultimately “rewards” Hamas, calling the arrest warrants a clear act of antisemitism.“Outrageous and disgraceful that the ICC is issuing arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, including PM Netanyahu,” Pompeo wrote on X.

“This is not justice.”The White House National Security Council said America does not recognize The Hague’s decision and slammed ICC prosecutor Karim Khan for pushing along the arrest warrants despite strong opposition from the US earlier this year.“We remain...