(Targeting civilian infrastructure is a war crime. Orders to commit war crimes are illegal by definition.)
Hegseth came completely unhinged, going after Senator Mark Kelly’s retirement, etc.
Then a few weeks ago, Hegseth gave an interview where he literally argued that the United States doesn’t have to follow international law. He called the rules of engagement “stupid” and went on with a bunch of similar remarks.
It’s pretty clear that rather than trying to defend violations of international (and U.S.) law, the regime is now just saying they don’t have to follow them in the first place.
https://media.defense.gov/2023/Jul/31/2003271432/-1/-1/0/DOD...
Light investigation says it is selectively applied for national security. So... pretty big loophole.
This is true. The US gets creative when it wants to avoid adhering to the law. But international law is established through treaties, and the terms the US agrees to in treaties is US law.
Which according to your source the President is allowed to disregard within his "constitutional authority". A can of worms on its own.
It's one of the reasons why for a lot of the "everybody joins" treaties, a bunch of countries sign with a statement that they don't recognize the US as a signatory.