Omaha City Wire

Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska has expressed his disapproval of the International Criminal Court's (ICC) recent decision to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. In a statement released on November 21, 2024, Bacon criticized the ICC's actions as undermining its legitimacy.

"The International Criminal Court lost all legitimacy today when it unanimously issued two decisions rejecting challenges by the State of Israel brought under articles 18 and 19 of the Rome Statute and issued arrest warrants for Prime Minster Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Gallant," Bacon stated. He further argued that while the ICC was established to prosecute severe crimes such as genocide, it has failed to hold Hamas accountable for their actions, including "the killing of 1200 people or the 101 Israeli hostages they are still holding."

Bacon described the ICC's issuance of an arrest warrant for deceased Hamas leader Mohammed Deif as insufficient accountability, labeling it "laughable." He also condemned Hamas leadership for continuing to threaten Israel and using Palestinian civilians as human shields in conflicts against Israel.

In his statement, Bacon emphasized that the ICC has overstepped its bounds by not only issuing warrants but also determining that crimes have been committed by Netanyahu and Gallant. He accused the court of infringing on the sovereignty of a democratic nation.

"Hamas attacked Israel in October 2023 without provocation, and Israel has responded accordingly," Bacon said. He reaffirmed his support for Israel and expressed his intent to back measures aimed at holding Hamas accountable rather than supporting what he views as an abuse of power by the ICC.