Netanyahu 'disappointed' by Biden refusal on ICC sanctions: Politico
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Since the start of the war on Gaza, the divide between the Israeli and the American leadership has widened drastically.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chairs a cabinet meeting at the Kirya military base, which houses the Israeli Ministry of Security, in Tel Aviv, occupied Palestine, on Dec. 24, 2023 (AP)
Politico reported on Wednesday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he is "surprised and disappointed" by the Biden administration for its refusal to support sanctions on the ICC seeking his arrest.
This stance marks a reversal from Secretary of State Antony Blinken's earlier indication that the administration would consider sanctions in response to the court's actions.
Netanyahu criticized this shift in a recent interview on The Morgan Ortagus Show, saying: "The United States said that they would, in fact, back the sanctions bill."
"I thought that was still the American position because there was bipartisan consensus just a few days ago," he added. "Now you say there’s a question mark [...] and frankly I’m surprised and disappointed."
Read more: Netanyahu's strategy in Rafah failing amid looming ICC arrest threat
Since the start of the war on Gaza, the divide between the Israeli and the US leadership seems to have widened drastically despite the US continuing to arm the Israeli-led genocide in Gaza.
While the Biden administration is discussing how to respond to the arrest warrants, Republicans advocate for a sanctions bill, while Democrats weigh their stance.
Biden initially condemned the ICC's decision as "outrageous" but later cautioned against sanctions.
Earlier this month, Congress members Elise Stefanik and Chip Roy introduced a bill to sanction the ICC for investigating US citizens and allies, including "Israel."
The bill proposes revoking visas and blocking property access. However, Biden opposes sanctions on the court, favoring alternative measures in cooperation with Congress.
Netanyahu defended "Israel" against accusations of withholding humanitarian aid from Gaza and stressed alleged efforts to protect civilians.
Meanwhile, aid groups continue to accuse "Israel" of impeding aid entry and making work conditions extremely unsafe and difficult.
Despite civilian casualties, the Biden administration maintains its support for "Israel's" actions in Gaza, signaling no change in policy toward the ally.
Read more: 'Israel' must be pressured into halting Gaza war, Egypt says
On a related note, The Guardian reported on Tuesday that the former head of Mossad Yossi Cohen recently threatened the former ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda to pressure her into abandoning the investigation on Israeli war crimes.
Accounts shared with ICC officials say that he is reported to have told her, "You should help us and let us take care of you. You don’t want to be getting into things that could compromise your security or that of your family."
One individual said Cohen applied “despicable tactics” against her as his behavior was likened to “stalking."
