US Senator Tom Cotton has issued a stark warning to the International Criminal Court (ICC) following its arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. Referring to the controversial “Hague Invasion Act,” Cotton suggested military intervention if the warrants were enforced.
In a strongly worded statement on social media, Cotton described the ICC as a “kangaroo court” and its prosecutor, Karim Khan, as a “deranged fanatic.” He added, Let me give them all a friendly reminder: the American law on the ICC is known as The Hague Invasion Act for a reason. Think about it.”
The American Service-Members’ Protection Act, passed in 2002 and nicknamed “The Hague Invasion Act,” authorises the US President to use all means necessary—including military force—to rescue US or allied personnel detained by the ICC. The legislation was designed to shield US and allied citizens from ICC prosecution.
Cotton’s remarks follow the ICC’s decision to issue arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including allegations of using starvation as a method of warfare. The Court stated there were reasonable grounds to believe that the Israeli siege of Gaza created conditions aimed at the destruction of a segment of the civilian population.
The Biden administration rejected the ICC’s decision, with White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre expressing “deep concern.” Prominent US politicians, including Senator Lindsey Graham, have called for sanctions against ICC officials in response to the warrants.
Several ICC member states, including the UK, France, and Canada, have stated they would honour the warrants. Labour MP Emily Thornberry, Chair of the UK’s Foreign Affairs Committee, affirmed Britain’s commitment under the Rome Statute, saying, “If Netanyahu comes to Britain, our obligation under the Rome Convention would be to arrest him under the warrant from the ICC.”
