The International Criminal Court's Decision on Alleged U.S. Crimes in Afghanistan: Implications for Israel

"In a decision dated April 12, 2019, a Pre-Trial Chamber (PTC) of the International Criminal Court (ICC) rejected a request by the ICC Prosecutor to proceed with an investigation of alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes by American military and intelligence professionals and by other forces who served in Afghanistan...

While the recent decision by the ICC's Pre-Trial Chamber is devoted to the issue of alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Afghanistan, clearly the implications inherent in its decision to reject the Prosecutor's request to open an investigation are no less relevant in the wider context of the functioning of the ICC in general, and in particular regarding Israel.

To protect the credibility, neutrality, integrity and noble aims of the International Criminal Court as set out in its Statute, the states members of the Court, as well as the Court itself cannot permit its manipulation and abuse by an irresponsible and misguided Palestinian leadership. They must do everything possible to prevent the Court from becoming one more Israel-bashing body.

That was not the intention of its founding fathers."