US Senator and ally of President-elect Donald Trump, Lindsay GrahamThe UK and other nations have issued a warning of possible economic sanctions if they help the International Criminal Court (ICC) enforce arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant. This comes after a statement from Downing Street that Netanyahu could face arrest if he were to enter the UK due to an ICC warrant.
The ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant for alleged war crimes committed in Gaza, sparking outrage among US Republicans, including Senator Graham.
“If you as a nation are going to assist the ICC and enforce arrest warrants against Bibi (Netanyahu) and Gallant… I will impose sanctions on you as a nation,” Graham said during an interview with Fox News.
Graham stressed that countries that helped the ICC arrest Israeli politicians would face economic consequences, specifically naming the UK, Canada, Germany and France.
“You have to choose a rogue ICC against America. I work with [Senator] Tom Cotton will pass legislation as soon as possible to allow any country aiding or abetting the arrest of any politician in Israel. What they are doing in Israel is trying to prevent another holocaust. So, any ally – Canada, Britain, Germany, France – if you try to help the ICC, we will allow you,” he said.
When asked about the fines, Graham replied: “We should be crushing your economy because we’re ahead…Why can’t they go after Trump or any other American president?”
Graham expressed his intention to work with Trump and Congress on a stronger response.
“Any nation or organization that aids or abets this outrage should expect to meet strong resistance from the United States, and I look forward to working with the president. TrumpHis team and my colleagues in Congress to prepare a powerful response,” he posted on X.
The UK government has expressed respect for the ICC’s independence and accepted its legal obligations regarding arrest warrants. However, the UK opposition criticized the ICC’s decision, calling it “worrying and provocative”.