ICC says it is being ‘intimidated’ to leave Israel alone
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued a rare statement condemning attempts to “impede, intimidate, or improperly influence its officials” after coming under pressure from the US and Israel not to indict Israeli officials over possible war crimes in Gaza.
A bipartisan group of senators reportedly held a virtual meeting with senior ICC officials on Wednesday to express concerns over the possibility of arrest warrants being issued against Israeli leaders, potentially including the Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.
This followed Republican threats to retaliate against the court if indictments are issued. The House Foreign Affairs Committee chair, Michael McCaul, said this could include a bill to sanction ICC officials but added “we hope it doesn’t come to that”.
Israeli leaders are said to be increasingly concerned over the risk of arrest warrants. Mr Netanyahu said this week that indictments would be “a scandal on a historical scale”, an “indelible stain on all of humanity” and an “unprecedented antisemitic hate crime”.
In a statement yesterday, the ICC appeared to respond to US and Israeli pressure, warning that it could constitute an offence.
“The office of the prosecutor is aware that there is significant public interest in its investigations, and it welcomes comments, communication of concerns, and engagement in its activities from state and elected officials, non-governmental organisations, scholars, and activists,” the court stated.
“That independence and impartiality are undermined, however, when individuals threaten to retaliate against the court or against court personnel should the office, in fulfilment of its mandate, make decisions about investigations or cases falling within its jurisdiction.”
“The office insists that all attempts to impede, intimidate or improperly influence its officials cease immediately.”