Biden administration once praised ICJ judge who ordered Israel to halt Rafah attack

A judge once nominated by US President Joe Biden to serve as a legal advisor at the State Department joined the ICJ's majority to demand Israel halt its offensive on Rafah.

The UN’s top court voted 13-2 to ask Israel to stop its assault and open the Rafah border crossing.

Sarah Cleveland, who joined the majority, was appointed to the court in November 2023. 

At the time, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken welcomed her appointment, saying Cleveland’s vision advanced an ICJ that is “judicially independent, preserves the integrity and authority of the court and ensures the dignity of all people”.

Cleveland was never confirmed as the State Department's legal advisor.