Sen Lindsey Graham says ICJ ‘can go to hell’ for ‘overwhelming’ anti-Israel bias

WASHINGTON, DC: Lindsey Graham, the senior United States senator from South Carolina, has the Internet buzzing after comments about the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

The ICJ, a part of the United Nations, recently ordered Israel to halt its military assault on Rafah, a densely populated area in southern Gaza.

Lindsey Graham slammed ICJ's anti-Israel ruling to be 'ridiculous'

In response, Graham took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express his disdain.

"As far as I’m concerned, the ICJ can go to hell. It is long past time to stand up to these so-called international justice organizations associated with the UN,” Graham said.

He further criticized the ICJ’s ruling as "ridiculous" that Israel should stop operations aimed at destroying four battalions of "Hamas killers and terrorists," who he claims use Palestinians as human shields.

“This will and should be ignored by Israel,” Graham added in the X post. 

The ICJ ruled on Friday, that Israel should halt its offensive in Rafah, but it lacks the means to enforce its ruling.

The court’s president, Nawaf Salam, described the humanitarian situation in Rafah as “disastrous.”

This decision marked the third time this year that the 15-judge panel has issued preliminary orders seeking to reduce the death toll and alleviate humanitarian suffering in Gaza.

Senator Lindsey Graham’s selective support for international justice

Interestingly, Graham’s stance on international justice seems to vary depending on the situation.

In 2022, when Russia ignored the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) order to stop its invasion of Ukraine, Graham celebrated the ICC’s decision to issue an arrest warrant against Russian President Vladimir Putin for war crimes carried out by Russia in Ukraine.

“The decision by the ICC to issue an arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin is a giant step in the right direction for the international community," he stated on X.

“I hope the international community will continue to support the ICC in their endeavors to hold Putin accountable for the brutal invasion of Ukraine,” he further wrote in the long statement.

Senator Lindsey Graham says ICC's urge to arrest Benjamin Netanyahu is 'outrageous'

Friday’s ruling is part of mounting international pressure on Israel to wind down its war in Gaza, which Palestinian health authorities say has resulted in more than 35,000 Palestinian deaths.

Countries like Ireland, Norway, and Spain have announced their recognition of a Palestinian state, and the International Criminal Court’s prosecutor is seeking arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, alleging war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Graham, however, has condemned these actions, calling the decision to seek the arrest of Netanyahu, Gallant, and three top Hamas officials “outrageous," according to The Hill.

He vowed to push for sanctions against the ICC, stating, "This outrageous decision is truly a slap in the face to the independent judiciary of Israel, which is renowned for their independence.”

Internet reaction to Linday Graham’s comments on ICJ

Graham’s comments have sparked a flurry of reactions on the internet, with many accusing him of hypocrisy. Some users pointed out that Graham didn’t express the same disdain when the ICJ went after Putin.

“Can only thank you Senator, for some voices of reason in this upside down period,” one user wrote,

Another user wrote pulling up his old X post on Putin's arrest warrant, “You’re a used car salesman.”

“Do you represent Israel or South Carolina? There are fewer than 13k jews in your state. And most of them probably didn’t even vote for you.” one more wrote.

“Oh Lindsey these organisation stand for humanity justice & peace. You looking really stupid right now,” wrote another.

One more wrote, “Argue with reality and you’ll lose every time.” “Yet you were happy when the ICJ ruled against Putin…” wrote one more.

“Lindsey Graham drips with hypocrisy. He didn’t say this when the ICJ went after Putin. Just his baby mama Israel,” pointed out another netizen. 

One more wrote, “You are losing. You’re lashing out.” Another chimed in, “I do not know whether you are denying reality or disconnected from reality”

"All ICJ judgements or only those which suits u ??? Just asking," wrote another.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.