Israeli civil rights group calls for investigation of Amal Clooney for work in ICC arrest warrants of Netanyahu, Gallant

Israeli NGO Shurat HaDin wrote a letter last month, urging U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland to investigate Amal Clooney, wife of actor George Clooney, over her role in the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) decision to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. 

According to Shurat HaDin, Clooney participated in the ICC’s advisory forum and supported the decision to issue arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant, as well as Hamas leaders in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar and Mohammed Deif. 

Shurat HaDin alleged that Clooney violated U.S. Federal Law by participating in the “investigative actions” against the two Israeli leaders while on American soil. Specifically, it alleged that Clooney violated the American Servicemembers' Protection Act of 2001, also known as The Hague Invasion Act. 

The bill prohibits ICC agents from conducting their investigations on behalf of the court while on U.S. soil. Neither Israel nor the United States is a member of the ICC in The Hague. 

Shurat HaDin President Nitsana Darshan-Leitner told Ynet News: “The American law is extremely clear: No agent of the ICC can operate or assist in ICC investigative actions against Americans or their allies while residing in the U.S.” 

If Clooney conducted any of her work for the ICC while located in the U.S., she could potentially be charged with a felony.

In its appeal to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, Shurat HaDin noted that Clooney took part in an investigative forum under ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan to investigate evidence against those suspected of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Israel and Gaza. 

The NGO also reports that Clooney openly discussed her involvement in the investigation and even boasted about her efforts to incriminate Netanyahu and Gallant.

“As President Biden stated, it is outrageous that this biased court in The Hague would attempt to prosecute Israeli officials as they battle the Hamas murderers, rapists and terror gangs in Gaza,” Darshan-Leitner said.

“If Amal Clooney participated in the ICC panel investigating Prime Minister Netanyahu while residing in the US then she is the one that needs to be prosecuted. She seems to be passionate about international law but pretty contemptuous of American regulations.” 

Darshan-Leitner also highlighted George Clooney’s fundraising and support for the Biden campaign. 

“George Clooney's efforts to intervene and interfere with White House policy on behalf of his wife while raising funds for Biden’s campaign is troubling and suspicious,” she added. 

Shurat HaDin is an Israeli legal organization that defends Israel and Jewish rights worldwide. It has been heavily involved in defending Israeli soldiers and leaders against the charges of war crimes, as well as fighting against Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) efforts around the world.