A US Senator and ally of President-elect Donald Trump, Lindsey Graham, has issued a warning to the UK and other nations about potential economic sanctions if they assist the International Criminal Court (ICC) in enforcing arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant. This comes after a statement from Downing Street suggested that Netanyahu could face arrest if he enters the UK due to the ICC warrant.
The ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant over alleged war crimes committed in Gaza, sparking outrage among US Republicans, including Senator Graham.
“If you are going to help the ICC as a nation and enforce the arrest warrant against Bibi (Netanyahu) and Gallant… I will put sanctions on you as a nation,” Graham said during an interview with Fox News.
Graham stressed that countries aiding the ICC in arresting Israeli politicians would face economic consequences, specifically naming the UK, Canada, Germany, and France.
“You’re gonna have to pick the rogue ICC versus America. I’m working with [Senator] Tom Cotton to pass legislation as soon as possible to sanction any country that aids or abets the arrest of any politician in Israel. What they’re doing in Israel is trying to prevent a second Holocaust. So, to any ally—Canada, Britain, Germany, France—if you try to help the ICC, we’re gonna sanction you,” he said.
When asked about the penalty, Graham responded: “We should crush your economy because we’re next…Why can’t they go after Trump or any other American president?”
Graham further expressed his intent to collaborate with Trump and Congress on a strong response.
“Any nation or organization that aids or abets this outrage should expect to meet firm resistance from the United States, and I look forward to working with President Trump, his team, and my colleagues in Congress to craft a powerful response,” he posted on X.
The UK government has expressed its respect for the ICC’s independence and acknowledged its legal obligations regarding the arrest warrants. However, the UK’s opposition party criticised the ICC’s decision, calling it “concerning and provocative,” according to a The Independent report.
