Trump allies have warned that the UK could face US reprisals if it assists in enforcing an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
On Thursday, the Hague-based ICC issued warrants for Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant, accusing Israel of using food as a weapon in its conflict with Hamas in Gaza, a charge Israeli officials deny. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer supported the ICC’s decision to issue the warrant.
As a member of the ICC, Britain is now legally required to detain Netanyahu “on sight” under international law, along with 123 other countries.
Senior Republican Senator Lindsey Graham warned that the US would not accept the ICC’s actions against Israel. He threatened that countries supporting the ICC’s move could face consequences from the US.
Graham announced plans to introduce legislation, stating, “If you aid the ICC after their action against Israel, you can expect consequences from the United States.” He called any nation joining the ICC’s efforts a partner in a reckless act against the rule of law.
The ICC also issued a warrant for Hamas leader Mohammed Deif, who is suspected of masterminding the October 7, 2023 attacks that led to Israel’s Gaza offensive. Israel is believed to have killed Deif in an airstrike.
