Netanyahu hails ICC for dropping ‘absurd’ war crimes probe against US troops in Afghanistan

Israeli leader says investigating US or Israeli troops is not goal of Hague-based body

Benjamin Netanyahu speaking during the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem (AFP/Getty)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu lauded a decision by the International Criminal Court not to investigate US forces in Afghanistan for possible war crimes, calling the probe “absurd”.

The Hague-based body decided on Friday to reject a full-blown investigation into the conduct of Taliban, Afghan and international soldiers in the country since 2003, claiming that to do so would “not serve the interests of justice”.

With its limited budget, the court needed to prioritise resources on “activities that would have a better chance to succeed”, the judges added.

ICC prosecutors are also currently investigating Israel for alleged crimes committed within the Palestinian territories since 2014, including the conduct of its forces in Gaza.

Mr Netanyahu praised the ICC’s decision, saying it boded well for Israel.

“To put on trial US or Israeli troops, or the State of Israel and the United States, is absurd,” he told a weekly cabinet meeting. “This is the opposite of the original purpose of the International Criminal Court.”

He added that the ICC’s decision was a “correction of injustice” and thanked US president Donald Trump for standing “firmly” with Israel and its soldiers.

ICC prosecutors in 2006 opened a preliminary investigation into war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Afghanistan since 2003.

One of the chief prospectors, Fatou Bensouda, had asked judges to press ahead with a full-blown probe which was later rejected.

On Friday Mr Trump hailed the ICC’s decision, calling it a “major international victory”.

His administration had earlier threatened to deny visas to any ICC members involved in the investigations into the US troops and revoked Ms Bensouda’s visa last week.

“This is a major international victory, not only for these patriots, but for the rule of law,” Mr Trump said in a statement.

“Any attempt to target American, Israeli or allied personnel for prosecution will be met with a swift and vigorous response.”

To put on trial US or Israeli troops, or the State of Israel and the United States, is absurd

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister

In Israel, Mr Netanyahu said the court’s decision “was a very important development for the State of Israel and the international community”, according to The Jerusalem Post.

He said investigating the US and Israel was not the original goal of the court.

The ICC’s decision not to pursue US soldiers “corrects an injustice and will have far-reaching implications for the functioning of the international system regarding the State of Israel”, he added.

Mr Netanyahu’s Likud party swept to a narrow victory in general elections which took place last week, securing 36 of the 120-seat Knesset.

President Reuven Rivlin is currently consulting with Israeli parties to decide whom he will task with forming the next coalition government.

However, the incumbent premier is expected to be nominated, giving him a record fifth term in office.

Israelis forces have been accused by UN experts of committing possible war crimes in Gaza in their use of fire against unarmed protesters along the border fences.