Arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant pose challenges for Biden

The International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor's request for arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant is expected to create significant challenges for US President Joe Biden.

According to The Moscow Times, the demand from the ICC prosecutor could lead to both internal and diplomatic problems for President Biden. The British newspaper Financial Times highlights that Biden's steadfast defence of Israel and Netanyahu may deepen divisions within the Democratic Party over the war in Gaza, particularly as the party gears up for a challenging election.

The potential US sanctions against the ICC could undermine Washington's efforts to act as a mediator in negotiations to end the conflict in Gaza. Such actions might also weaken the US's standing among many countries in the Global South.

In response to the ICC prosecutor's demand, the US has rejected the call for arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Galant. Meanwhile, Israel's Foreign Ministry plans to establish a crisis headquarters to address the potential issuance of these warrants.