Lindsey Graham Tells Allies ‘We’re Gonna Crush Your Economy’ if They Arrest Netanyahu for War Crimes
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) threatened a potential global economic meltdown if U.S. allies attempt to enforce an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
On Thursday, the International Criminal Court in The Hague issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu, former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas military leader Mohammed Deif. The men are charged with war crimes stemming from Hamas’s Oct. 7 terror attacks on Israel that killed 1,200 people, and Israel’s subsequent invasion of Gaza, which has killed at least 40,000.
The ICC was established by the Rome Statute, which has 124 signatories, though the U.S. and Israel have not signed. Several U.S. allies expressed support for, or an openness to warrant, including Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, and the U.K.
“It’s really important that everyone abide by international law,” said Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
President Joe Biden, meanwhile, has condemned the warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant as “outrageous.” Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) suggested that the U.S. invade the Netherlands if Netanyahu is arrested and brought there to face trial.
Donning golfing attire, Graham appeared on Friday’s edition of Hannity on Fox News to condemn the ICC and threaten economic war on U.S. allies.
“This is a direct threat to the state of Israel,” Graham told Sean Hannity while claiming the court is an “anti-Semitic body.”
The senator then had a message for countries – including U.S. allies – that assist the ICC in executing the arrest warrant.
“If you are going to help the ICC as a nation and force the arrest warrant against Bibi and Gallant, the former defense minister, I will put sanctions on you as a nation,” he said. “You’re gonna have to pick the rogue ICC versus America. I’m working with Tom Cotton to have legislation passed as soon as we can to sanction any country that aids and abets the arrest of any politician in Israel. What they’re doing in Israel is trying to prevent a second Holocaust. So, to any ally, Canada, Britain, Germany, France, if you try to help the ICC, we’re gonna sanction you.”
Hannity replied he wants “every ally” put on notice.
“And you saw little Justin in Canada and his position,” the host said. “What should the penalty be?”
“We should crush your economy because we’re next,” Graham answered. “Why can’t they go after Trump or any other American president under this theory? We’re not a member of the ICC. In 2002, they threatened to prosecute our soldiers in Afghanistan.”
Graham later reiterated, “If you help the ICC, we’re gonna crush your economy.”
“That’s right,” Hannity said. “Friends and allies, you better beware because this has to happen.”
The host added, “Senator, we like you in your golf outfit. Bring it anytime you want.”
Watch above via Fox News.
