US senator threatens Hague court over Netanyahu, Gallant arrest warrants

US Senator Tom Cotton sparked significant controversy by threatening military action against the International Criminal Court (ICC) following its issuance of arrest warrants for "Israeli" Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

The ICC accuses the two officials of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to "Israel’s" actions in Gaza, citing the use of starvation as a method of warfare.

Read more: ICC issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant

Cotton, a staunch supporter of "Israel" and a recipient of funding from the influential pro-"Israel" lobby group American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), lashed out at the ICC on social media.

The ICC is a kangaroo court and Karim Khan is a deranged fanatic. Woe to him and anyone who tries to enforce these outlaw warrants. Let me give them all a friendly reminder: the American law on the ICC is known as The Hague Invasion Act for a reason. Think about it.

— Tom Cotton (@SenTomCotton) November 21, 2024

In a fiery statement, he described the court as a "kangaroo court" and labeled ICC prosecutor Karim Khan as "a deranged fanatic."

Cotton further warned, “Woe to anyone who tries to enforce these unlawful warrants. Let me remind them: the American law on the ICC is called The Hague Invasion Act for a reason. Think about it.”

The legislation Cotton referenced, formally known as the American Service-Members' Protection Act, was enacted in 2002 to shield US personnel and allies from ICC prosecution. The law grants the president authority to use “all means necessary,” including military force, to secure the release of Americans or allied individuals detained by the ICC.

The arrest warrants, issued by ICC pre-trial judges, allege that Netanyahu and Gallant’s policies in Gaza, including a blockade and military operations, were designed to create conditions that could lead to the destruction of the civilian population.

The court stated there are "reasonable grounds" to believe these actions amount to crimes against humanity, including murder and persecution.

The Biden administration quickly rejected the ICC’s decision, with White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre expressing "deep concern" over the warrants.

Politicians from both major US parties condemned the move, with Republican Senator Lindsey Graham calling for sanctions against ICC officials and warning of potential diplomatic fallout.

International responses have been mixed. While US allies such as France, the UK, and Canada—ICC member states—have expressed their commitment to the Rome Statute, their leaders acknowledged the legal implications of the warrants.

Read more: List of 124 countries obligated to arrest Netanyahu, Gallant

British MP Emily Thornberry, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, remarked, “If Netanyahu were to step foot in Britain, we would be obligated under international law to act on the ICC’s warrant.”