US Senators Express Concerns to ICC Officials Over Potential Arrest Warrants for Israeli Leaders
A bipartisan group of US senators recently held a virtual meeting with senior officials at the International Criminal Court (ICC) to address their apprehensions regarding potential arrest warrants for Israeli leaders over the war in Gaza, as reported by Axios.
Confidential Meeting Raises Alarm
The meeting, which Axios reports was confidential, involved senators expressing their worries about the ongoing ICC investigation into the conflict in Gaza. However, the identities of the senators and ICC officials remain undisclosed.
Voicing Concerns
According to sources familiar with the meeting, senators seized the opportunity to voice their concerns about the conduct of the ICC’s investigation into the Gaza conflict.
ICC Maintains Confidentiality
In response to inquiries, the ICC prosecutor’s office emphasized the importance of confidentiality in their work and refrained from discussing specific activities or engagements.
Israeli Apprehensions
Israeli officials have reportedly expressed growing concerns over the potential issuance of arrest warrants by the ICC against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi.
Allegations of Palestinian Pressure
Israel has conveyed to the US its concerns that Palestinian Authority (PA) officials are pressuring the ICC prosecutor to issue arrest warrants against Israeli leaders.
Threats of Retaliation
In response to the perceived threat of arrest warrants, the Israeli government has warned the Biden administration of retaliatory measures against the PA, which could result in significant consequences, potentially leading to its collapse.
