#Israel / Netanyahu claims the US does not plan to impose sanctions on the ICC
Israeli news site #Maariv is reporting that #Netanyahu commented on the fact that the U.S. does not intend to impose sanctions against the #ICC, after the request for an arrest warrant against him was filed, as reported today (Wednesday) in German "Politico." The report stated that in an interview he gave today, which is expected to be broadcast next week, Netanyahu expressed his surprise and even disappointment.
The International Court of Justice will announce a decision today on potential orders against Israel regarding its ongoing attack on Gaza, specifically in Rafah. Israel fears the court will order a halt to the to the war, or at least the Rafah operation, due to worsening humanitarian conditions. Such an order would put Israel in a difficult position - defying it could lead to international sanctions, though the U.S. would likely support regardless of the legality of its actions in Gaza, as it did so far.
#Maariv is reporting that according to the assessment of "diplomatic officials," the likelihood that the court will accept South Africa's request and order a halt to the war in Gaza tomorrow, is not very high, but nonetheless, this time it is "realistic and certainly not negligible."
If this scenario materializes - Israel will be dependent on the U.S. vetoing the order. But according to assessments in Israel, in the current situation the American veto is not guaranteed, and it is possible that Washington will condition it on Israel taking one action or another. For example, in exchange for Israeli agreement to the Saudi initiative.
[cont’d] #Rafah / Spain say ICJ ruling is legally binding; demands Israel comply
“The precautionary measures set out by the ICJ, including that Israel should cease its military offensive in Rafah, are compulsory. Israel must comply with them,”
#Israel / U.S. Government Threatens Sanctions on IDF Soldiers in the occupied West Bank
The Biden administration has threatened sanctions on IDF soldiers operating in the West Bank, according to a report on #Kan11 News.
Following recent talks between senior State Department officials and #Biden administration members, the State Department produced a report expressing displeasure with the lack of enforcement in the West Bank against settler violence. This comes after the U.S. received a list of violent incidents involving IDF soldiers and officers. As a result, the U.S. warned of major entanglement potential for #IDF units in the West Bank.
The report states that an inter-ministry discussion in Israel will be held to formulate a response. The U.S. cautioned that if Israel does not provide a satisfactory answer within 60 days, sanctions will be imposed on soldiers.