United States President Joe Biden: Reuters.
United States President Joe Biden has strongly criticised the decision of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue arrest warrants for a number of Israeli leaders. Biden called these warrants “outrageous” and undermining justice, especially when there is no equivalence between the actions of Israel and the Hamas terrorist organisation. According to Biden, such decisions of international justice raise doubts about its objectivity and transparency, in particular in matters related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Time Ukraine Israel portal reports, citing the White House website.
“There is no equivalence between Israel and Hamas – none. We will always support Israel against threats to its security,” Biden said.
The US position and the role of international justice
Biden’s statement reflects the general position of the United States, which has long supported Israel as its strategic ally in the Middle East. This support has been unwavering even in the face of brutal hostilities and escalations. The ICC’s arrest warrants for Israeli leaders are of serious concern to the Biden administration, as the US side believes they set an unacceptable precedent that could be used to exert political pressure on Israel.
The United States, as one of the key countries that shaped international judicial and legal institutions, has always emphasised the importance of an impartial approach to investigating war crimes. However, the ICC’s decision on Israel, according to the Biden administration, is inconsistent with this principle, as it undermines efforts to achieve peace in the region.
ICC orders and security implications
According to official sources, the ICC warrants relate to leading Israeli leaders accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity. This decision provoked a wave of international criticism and raised questions about the impact on the security situation in the region. The ICC’s actions, which put Israel on the same level as terrorist groups, could lead to an escalation of tensions and undermine the international community’s efforts to stop the violence.
The Biden administration is calling on international institutions, including the ICC, to refrain from decisions that could upset the balance of power in the Middle East, creating additional risks for the region. According to Biden, “The United States will always stand by Israel, because the security of our ally is paramount.”
Support for Israel: position and future steps
The United States remains committed to its obligations to Israel through financial, military, and diplomatic support. In response to the ICC’s decision, the United States could step up its support for Israel, including through increased security assistance and diplomatic protection in the international arena.
The US administration has repeatedly emphasised that it considers Israel to be a state that has the right to self-defence against the threat of terrorism. President Biden’s statements underscore not only this position, but also the US readiness to continue to support Israel in all circumstances, defending its interests and security at the international level.
The ICC’s decision to issue arrest warrants for Israeli leaders has become another point of tension in international politics and has caused a wide response. Biden’s statement reflects strong support for Israel and at the same time criticism of the ICC for making decisions that could be perceived as politically motivated. The principled position of the United States in support of its ally confirms that Israel will remain one of the top priorities of US foreign policy, even amid a difficult international situation and increasing pressure from certain legal institutions.
