Mike Walz responds to ICC: Expect a strong American response in January
Trump's head of NSA has no patience for the arrest warrants issued earlier today by the ICC, and has threatened a harsh response when Trump comes to power in January.
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Mike Waltz, Trump's designated National Security Advisor, spoke out strongly against The Hague's decision to issue arrest warrants for Gallant and Netanyahu: "Israel legally defended its people and borders against murderous terrorists. Expect a strong response against the International Criminal Court."
It's not surprising that the ICC chose to issue the warrants before Trump comes to power in January.
That being said, the U.S. has historically opposed ICC jurisdiction over non-member states like Israel and America. In fact, during Trump's presidency, the U.S. imposed sanctions on ICC prosecutors investigating U.S. and Israeli actions, including visa restrictions and asset freezes.
According to the U.S., because neither Israel nor America are ICC members, the court lacks jurisdiction.
In 2020, Trump issued an executive order declaring ICC actions against U.S. personnel a "national emergency."
Current U.S. policy under Biden lifted these sanctions but still opposes ICC jurisdiction over non-member states. Waltz's statement suggests a potential return to Trump's more confrontational approach to the ICC should he win in 2024.