United States Senator, Lindsey Graham, has issued a strong warning to several key allied nations, threatening to impose sanctions if they cooperate with the International Criminal Court over the arrest warrants issued for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
These warrants stem from allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
In an interview with Fox News on Friday, Graham made it clear that countries like Canada, Britain, Germany, and France would face serious consequences if they supported the ICC’s move.
“To any ally, Canada, Britain, Germany, France, if you try to help the ICC, we’re going to sanction you,” Graham asserted.
He continued to emphasize his position, saying, “If you are going to help the ICC as a nation and force the arrest warrant against Bibi and Gallant, the former defence minister, I will put sanctions on you as a nation.” Graham further warned, “You’re gonna have to pick the rogue ICC versus America.”
This statement came as a direct response to the ICC’s decision and underlined Graham’s firm opposition to any actions that would support the court’s pursuit of Israel’s leaders.
The ICC’s involvement follows Israel’s ongoing military offensive in Gaza, launched in response to a cross-border attack by Hamas in October.
The offensive has claimed the lives of over 44,000 people, with the majority being women and children, and left more than 104,000 injured.
The severity of the situation has led to widespread condemnation, with some calling Israel’s actions a potential genocide.
In addition to its actions in Gaza, Israel has also been conducting airstrikes in neighboring Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah positions.
According to Lebanese health authorities, these strikes have resulted in more than 3,600 deaths, 15,300 injuries, and the displacement of over one million people since last October.
The ongoing violence in the region has intensified global calls for accountability and justice.
