Why Joe Biden Should Also Be on the Warrant

In a stunning move, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif. This decision marks a significant precedent in holding powerful actors accountable for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. Yet, as progressives committed to justice and universal accountability, we must ask: why is Joe Biden absent from this equation?

The Biden administration has unambiguously backed Israel’s military actions, even as reports emerged of civilian deaths and possible violations of international law in Gaza. The U.S. veto power in the United Nations Security Council has repeatedly shielded Israel from global scrutiny. Moreover, by supplying Israel with billions of dollars in military aid annually, Biden’s government has played an enabling role in the ongoing conflict.

Complicity Through Support

The ICC warrants reflect the principle that leaders who facilitate or perpetuate war crimes should face justice. However, as a global superpower, the United States’ actions (or inactions) often escape this scrutiny. Biden’s consistent military aid to Israel, including precision-guided munitions used in Gaza, ties his administration directly to the outcomes on the ground. Human rights groups have documented widespread civilian casualties and the destruction of infrastructure, raising legitimate questions about U.S. complicity.

By contrast, the ICC’s action against Netanyahu and Gallant is a step toward ending impunity. But without accountability for the major power underwriting the actions of these leaders, the message remains incomplete.

Why Accountability Matters

Holding Biden accountable through the ICC or other international mechanisms may seem far-fetched, but it’s essential for upholding consistent standards. The ICC’s jurisdiction has long been hampered by selective enforcement. The U.S., like Israel, is not a member of the ICC, and it has historically rejected the court’s legitimacy when it threatens American or allied leaders.

This double standard weakens the credibility of international law. If Biden’s administration continues to supply the tools of war without restraint, while condemning others for doing the same, it underscores the hypocrisy of the global order. Real accountability means no leader—regardless of their nationality or power—should be exempt from scrutiny.

A Progressive Vision for Justice

As progressives, we must push for reforms that demand equal accountability from all nations. The ICC’s decision is a watershed moment, but it’s incomplete without examining the role of the United States. Biden’s policies perpetuate a cycle of violence that progressives should actively oppose, even as we champion justice for the victims of this conflict.

To break this cycle, we must:

1. Advocate for ending unconditional military aid to Israel.
2. Support strengthening international mechanisms for accountability, including ICC jurisdiction over all states.
3. Call out U.S. hypocrisy in rejecting the ICC’s legitimacy while selectively endorsing international justice for others.

The road to global justice starts with recognizing the United States’ outsized role in perpetuating war crimes. Only then can we truly build a world where no leader, including Joe Biden, is above the law.