Trump Confidant Advocates for US Sanctions Against ICC
Senator Lindsey Graham has stated that the US should impose sanctions on the ICC for its decision to issue an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
US Senator Lindsey Graham has condemned the International Criminal Court (ICC) as “a dangerous joke” and is advocating for sanctions against it following the court's issuance of arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
On Thursday, the court located in The Hague accused the two leaders of committing “crimes against humanity” during the ongoing conflict with the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza. ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan also revealed similar charges against Hamas military leader Mohammed Deif, who, according to Israeli authorities, was reportedly killed in an airstrike in July.
Later that day, Graham, a Republican senator from South Carolina and an ally of US President-elect Donald Trump, criticized the ICC on X, stating that the court “acted in the most absurd and irresponsible manner possible” by targeting the Israeli politicians, especially considering the “serious cloud of allegations hanging over the prosecutor who sought these warrants.”
This reference pertains to an ongoing external investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct involving Khan, an announcement made by the ICC the previous week. Khan has claimed he would cooperate with the investigation while maintaining his other responsibilities and has denied any wrongdoing.
"The Court is a dangerous joke. It is now time for the US Senate to act and sanction this irresponsible body,” Graham asserted.
He called for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to pass a bipartisan bill originating from the House that proposes sanctions against the ICC for its actions, urging US President Joe Biden to sign the legislation.
In June, the US House of Representatives, with a Republican majority, approved a bill that restricts entry and property transactions in the US for ICC officials involved in prosecuting Netanyahu and Gallant. However, the measure has yet to be taken up by the Democrat-controlled Senate. Following the upcoming November 5 election, Republicans are set to regain control of both the House and the Senate in early 2025.
Additionally, Graham declared his intention to introduce new legislation targeting countries that support the ICC in its actions against the Israeli leaders. "You can expect consequences from the US. Any nation that joins with the ICC after this outrage is a partner in a reckless act that tramples the rule of law,” he warned.
It's important to note that Israel is not a signatory to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC. Nevertheless, Netanyahu and Gallant could be apprehended in any of the 124 countries that recognize the court's jurisdiction.
Countries such as Italy, the Netherlands, Canada, and Jordan have expressed their intent to comply with the ICC's arrest warrants.
Camille Lefevre contributed to this report for TROIB News
On Thursday, the court located in The Hague accused the two leaders of committing “crimes against humanity” during the ongoing conflict with the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza. ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan also revealed similar charges against Hamas military leader Mohammed Deif, who, according to Israeli authorities, was reportedly killed in an airstrike in July.
Later that day, Graham, a Republican senator from South Carolina and an ally of US President-elect Donald Trump, criticized the ICC on X, stating that the court “acted in the most absurd and irresponsible manner possible” by targeting the Israeli politicians, especially considering the “serious cloud of allegations hanging over the prosecutor who sought these warrants.”
This reference pertains to an ongoing external investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct involving Khan, an announcement made by the ICC the previous week. Khan has claimed he would cooperate with the investigation while maintaining his other responsibilities and has denied any wrongdoing.
"The Court is a dangerous joke. It is now time for the US Senate to act and sanction this irresponsible body,” Graham asserted.
He called for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to pass a bipartisan bill originating from the House that proposes sanctions against the ICC for its actions, urging US President Joe Biden to sign the legislation.
In June, the US House of Representatives, with a Republican majority, approved a bill that restricts entry and property transactions in the US for ICC officials involved in prosecuting Netanyahu and Gallant. However, the measure has yet to be taken up by the Democrat-controlled Senate. Following the upcoming November 5 election, Republicans are set to regain control of both the House and the Senate in early 2025.
Additionally, Graham declared his intention to introduce new legislation targeting countries that support the ICC in its actions against the Israeli leaders. "You can expect consequences from the US. Any nation that joins with the ICC after this outrage is a partner in a reckless act that tramples the rule of law,” he warned.
It's important to note that Israel is not a signatory to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC. Nevertheless, Netanyahu and Gallant could be apprehended in any of the 124 countries that recognize the court's jurisdiction.
Countries such as Italy, the Netherlands, Canada, and Jordan have expressed their intent to comply with the ICC's arrest warrants.
Camille Lefevre contributed to this report for TROIB News
