Joe Biden slammed as White House refuses to support sanctions against ICC after Israel warrant requests

WASHINGTON, DC: The White House has taken a definitive stance against proposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) following the tribunal's request for arrest warrants targeting Israeli officials.

This decision comes amid heightened tensions as Israel engages in military operations against the terrorist group Hamas in Gaza. National Security Council Coordinator John Kirby articulated the administration's position during a press briefing on Tuesday, May 28.

White House rejects sanctions

"We don't believe that sanctions against the ICC is the right approach here, no," said Kirby.

He emphasized that the Biden administration does not "believe the ICC has jurisdiction" over this matter and opposes the arrest warrants issued for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

The ICC's warrants also target Hamas leaders, accusing both Israeli and Hamas officials of war crimes.

Despite condemning the ICC's actions, Kirby asserted that sanctioning the international tribunal is not the solution. "The Biden administration does not believe the ICC has jurisdiction and does not support the arrest warrants against Israeli leaders," he reiterated.

The White House's stance contrasts sharply with recent moves in both the House and Senate. Last week, a bipartisan coalition led by Senators Mike Rounds (R-SD) and Joe Manchin (D-WVa) proposed visa bans for ICC officials and sanctions against the court.

This coalition included Senators Jacky Rosen (D-Nev), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), John Fetterman (D-Penn), and Bob Casey (D-Penn), who collectively sought to formally reject the ICC's actions.

In the House, Representatives Chip Roy (R-Texas) and Brian Mast (R-Fla) introduced legislation that would compel the president to implement sanctions against the ICC if it pursues actions against US allies such as Israel.

Congressional leaders' comments

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) noted, "There are ongoing discussions, as I understand it, between Chairman (Michael) McCaul (R-Texas) and ranking member Gregory Meeks, (D-NY), and the objective is trying to reach bipartisan consensus with respect to the International Criminal Court." 

Congressman Michael McCaul expressed strong opposition to the ICC's jurisdiction and actions. "The ICC is a flawed and politically motivated judicial body. Its announcement violates its own stated position as a court of last resort," McCaul told Fox News.

"Israel has a robust judicial system, so there is no need for the ICC to get involved here. Congress needs to respond with strong, bipartisan sanctions. We do not know what a final bill will look like, but all relevant parties are discussing options," McCaul added.

While the administration has ruled out supporting the GOP’s sanctions bill, there is speculation that President Biden could issue an executive order threatening sanctions against countries that enforce ICC warrants against Israel.

This approach would be less binding than congressional legislation but could serve to mitigate criticism from Capitol Hill.

Kirby also addressed calls for sanctions against Israel from some European leaders following a ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) – distinct from the ICC – which urged Israel to cease military operations in Rafah.

"We have no plans for these kinds of actions based on the ICJ ruling," Kirby stated, asserting the US position that the ICJ lacks jurisdiction in the Israel-Palestine conflict, Times of Israel reported.

Biden faces backlash for refusing to support sanctions against ICC

President Biden's refusal to back sanctions against the ICC has ignited a wave of backlash on social media, with many labeling the administration's response as weak and inconsistent.

One user on X commented, "Coward," while another remarked, "Seems to be another weak response from the US. Mixed messaging is not working out well. Dangerous!"

"The White House let the ICC get away with doing this in the first place. Biden/Blinken don’t want to reapply sanctions because the ICC is part of their leverage against Israel," another alleged.

"It's outrageous that the Biden administration refuses to back sanctions against the ICC. This betrayal comes despite Secretary Blinken's earlier openness to bipartisan sanctions. The ICC's overreach against Israeli officials is unacceptable, and America should stand firm with our ally, Israel," a comment read.

"Can it get any worse?" another wondered.

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