US Politics US: Republicans condemn ICC arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, Democrats keep quiet

The International Criminal Court's issuance of arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has been repudiated by Republican lawmakers in the US, who have threatened to sanction the court and invoke US law to shield Israeli officials from prosecution.

Within hours of the ICC's announcement, Congressman Mike Waltz, President-elect Donald Trump's choice to be the next national security advisor, said the court has "no credibility" and that it can "expect a strong response" when the Trump administration comes into office in January 2025.

In response to the ICC, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham called the court "a rogue and politically motivated organization that is trampling on the very concept of the rule of law".

"I am confident that President Trump understands that the Court’s actions against Israel sets the foundation for the ICC to come after the United States one day. We must respond forcefully to the Court for our own good," he said.

Graham previously welcomed the ICC arrest warrant issued in March 2023 against Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling it "a step in the right direction for the international community".

Read more: US: Republicans condemn ICC arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, Democrats keep quiet