John AdoyiThe United States’ House of Representatives on Thursday voted to sanction the International Criminal Court (ICC) in response to its issuance of an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his former defense minister Yoav Gallant. The ICC warrant accuses Netanyahu of war crimes for his role in the Gaza conflict.
The motion, titled the “Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act,” was sponsored by Representative Chip Roy of Texas and passed with a 243-140 vote. The bipartisan support included 45 Democrats joining the Republican-led initiative. Thirty Democrats and 20 Republicans abstained, while one Republican voted “present.”
Join our WhatsApp ChannelRepresentative Brian Mast, Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, defended the bill, stating, “America is passing this law because a kangaroo court is seeking to arrest the prime minister of our great ally, Israel.” He described Israel as “the tip of the spear” in combating an enemy responsible for American casualties, emphasizing the restraint and humanity Israel has shown in the ongoing conflict.
The ICC issued the arrest warrant on 21 November 2024, claiming that there are reasonable grounds to hold Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant criminally responsible for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity from 8 October 2023, to 20 May 2024. Both Netanyahu and Gallant have denounced the charges, with Netanyahu labeling them “antisemitic” and Gallant warning of a “dangerous precedent” against self-defense.
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The proposed US sanctions would target any foreigner involved in prosecuting U.S. citizens or those of allied nations not members of the ICC, including Israel. Critics argue that this move undermines international law and accountability mechanisms, while proponents see it as a necessary step to protect national and allied sovereignty.
International reactions to the arrest warrant have been mixed. The European Union and Canada have signaled intentions to arrest Netanyahu should he enter their territories, while Jordan echoed the same. Conversely, Poland has vowed to protect the Israeli leader.
The bill now heads to the Republican controlled Senate, where Republican Majority Leader John Thune has pledged swift action. Incoming President Donald Trump, a staunch ally of Netanyahu, is expected to sign the legislation into law after his inauguration on January 20.
