• By Imran Zafar
  • Sun, 24 Nov 2024 09:39 AM (IST)
  • Source:JND

US Senator Lindsey Graham warned of sanctions against US allies if they comply with the International Criminal Court's (ICC) arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. Speaking to Fox News, Lindsey Graham said countries like the UK, Canada, Germany and France would face economic consequences for assisting the ICC.

''You have to choose between a rogue ICC and America,'' the Republican senator emphasised, calling for legislation to penalise nations aiding in the enforcement of these warrants. He stated, ''What they’re doing in Israel is trying to prevent a second Holocaust.''

Lindsey Graham's remarks follow a Downing Street statement suggesting Benjamin Netanyahu could face arrest in the UK under the ICC's warrant. The ICC announced on Thursday that Netanyahu and Gallant are wanted for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. The charges have drawn fierce backlash from US Republicans, with Graham collaborating with Senator Tom Cotton on sanctions legislation.

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Graham, aligning with former President Trump and Congress, vowed strong resistance against any nation supporting the ICC. On X, he stated, ''Any nation or organisation that aids or abets this outrage should expect firm resistance from the United States.''

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The ICC's decision comes amid heightened tensions in the region. Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza following Hamas-led cross-border attacks in October, which killed over 44,000 Palestinians, including women and children, and injured more than 1,04,000, according to Gaza authorities. 

Concurrently, Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have caused over 3,600 deaths, 15,300 injuries and the displacement of over one million people, according to Lebanese health officials. Notably, Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over its actions in Gaza.