Was the US Behind the ICC’s Decision on Netanyahu?

The news hit like a thunderclap: the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. For many Israelis, this felt like a betrayal—not just from the ICC, but perhaps from one of our closest allies. Could it be possible that the United States, the very nation that has stood with Israel for decades, quietly supported—or at least didn’t oppose—this decision?

As someone who has long observed the complexities of U.S.-Israel relations, I can’t help but feel uneasy. We’ve always known the world’s loyalties can be fickle, but this feels different. It raises unsettling questions: Has Washington’s commitment to Israel begun to waver? Was this warrant not just about Netanyahu, but about undermining Israel itself?

Netanyahu: A Lightning Rod for Controversy

Say what you will about Netanyahu—he has always been a polarizing figure. For many Israelis, he’s a symbol of strength, a man who has defended our homeland with unwavering determination. For others, his policies have been too aggressive, particularly regarding settlements and the treatment of Palestinians.

But whether you love him or loathe him, the ICC’s arrest warrant transcends Netanyahu as an individual. This isn’t just about one man; it’s about Israel’s sovereignty and our ability to stand tall in the face of international scrutiny.

The ICC alleges that Netanyahu’s policies amount to war crimes. These claims center around military operations in Gaza, settlement expansions in the West Bank, and the broader question of Palestinian rights. Israel, of course, has always rejected the ICC’s jurisdiction over these matters. After all, how can a court that Israel didn’t even agree to be a part of claim authority over us?

Yet here we are, with an arrest warrant that threatens to isolate Netanyahu and, by extension, Israel itself.

The Role of the United States: Friend or Foe?

For decades, the United States has been Israel’s staunchest ally. From military aid to diplomatic cover, we’ve come to rely on Washington’s support. But relationships evolve, and lately, cracks have begun to appear in this once-ironclad partnership.

The Biden administration, while professing its commitment to Israel, has faced growing pressure from progressive factions within its own party. These voices demand greater accountability from Israel, framing our actions as obstacles to peace. Could these internal political pressures have influenced the U.S. to quietly endorse—or at least not oppose—the ICC’s actions?

On the surface, it seems unthinkable. The U.S. has long opposed the ICC, particularly when its investigations threatened American soldiers or officials. But what if Washington sees the ICC’s warrant as a convenient way to apply pressure on Netanyahu without directly confronting him?

The ICC: Justice or Geopolitics?

Let’s not pretend the ICC is an impartial arbiter of justice. This is an institution that has been accused of bias and selective enforcement time and time again. It has focused disproportionately on certain regions while turning a blind eye to others.

For Israelis, this raises a crucial question: why is the ICC targeting us now? Is this truly about justice, or is it a calculated move to weaken Netanyahu at a time when Israel is already grappling with internal unrest?

Netanyahu’s judicial reforms have sparked widespread protests, with Israelis flooding the streets in opposition. The ICC warrant only adds fuel to the fire, further destabilizing our political landscape.

And here’s where it gets even murkier. If the ICC’s decision was influenced by external powers—like the United States—it represents a troubling precedent. It suggests that international justice is not about fairness, but about serving the interests of the powerful.

Why Now? The Geopolitical Puzzle

Timing is everything in politics. The ICC’s decision didn’t happen in a vacuum. It comes as Israel is forging closer ties with nations like China and Russia, countries that challenge American dominance on the global stage. Could the U.S. be using the ICC as a tool to remind Israel where its loyalties should lie?

At the same time, the Biden administration has been vocal about its concerns over Netanyahu’s judicial reforms. Could the ICC warrant be part of a broader strategy to weaken his government and pave the way for a more moderate leader?

If so, it’s a dangerous game. Undermining Netanyahu may seem like a way to recalibrate U.S.-Israel relations, but it risks alienating the very people who have long seen America as our greatest ally.

The Bigger Picture: Sovereignty Under Siege

For me, this isn’t just about Netanyahu or even the U.S.-Israel alliance. It’s about sovereignty. The ICC’s actions are a direct challenge to Israel’s right to govern itself without external interference.

As Israelis, we must ask ourselves: where do we draw the line? How do we balance the need for international partnerships with the imperative to defend our independence?

The U.S., for all its support, must also confront its own contradictions. If it truly values democracy and sovereignty, how can it justify standing by while the ICC undermines both?

Israel’s next move?

This is a moment of reckoning—not just for Netanyahu, but for all of us who care about Israel’s future. We must stand united in the face of this challenge, defending our sovereignty while remaining open to dialogue and reform.

At the same time, we must demand clarity from our allies. The U.S. needs to decide: is it with us, or is it willing to sacrifice our partnership for the sake of political expediency?

For Israel, the road ahead is uncertain. But one thing is clear: we cannot afford to take our sovereignty—or our alliances—for granted.