Trump says Netanyahu will not be arrested despite ICC war crimes warrant

Washington – President Joe Biden reiterated on Tuesday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not be taken into custody, even after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for the Israeli leader over alleged war‑crimes in the Gaza conflict. In a press briefing, the president emphasized that the United States does not recognize the ICC’s jurisdiction over U.S. nationals and that American policy will not change in response to the court’s action, underscoring the long‑standing diplomatic partnership between Washington and Jerusalem.

The ICC’s pre‑trial chamber issued the warrant in March, accusing Netanyahu of responsibility for attacks on civilian infrastructure and alleged violations of international humanitarian law. Israel’s government dismissed the warrant as illegitimate, and the United Nations has called for cooperation with the court. Biden’s statement aligns with prior U.S. administrations that have resisted ICC subpoenas targeting American officials, while also signaling continued support for Israel amid ongoing regional tensions. The stance leaves the enforcement of the warrant dependent on the cooperation of member states, none of which have indicated an intention to detain the Israeli premier.