House Republicans, including Reps. Chip Roy and Brian Mast, are urging the Biden administration to threaten sanctions against International Criminal Court (ICC) officials if the ICC targets the U.S. or U.S. allies not under its jurisdiction. The lawmakers are introducing a bill called The Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act, which would require Biden to sanction the ICC if it attempts to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute any protected person. The bill has garnered support from 15 House GOP co-sponsors, including Elise Stefanik and Kevin Hern.
The ICC is reportedly preparing warrants against top Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, over their handling of humanitarian aid in Gaza during the conflict with Hamas. Roy and Mast believe that the ICC poses a threat to U.S. sovereignty and are urging consequences if the court goes after U.S. allies. The bill is seen as a warning to the ICC that there will be repercussions if it targets America or its allies, despite the U.S. not recognizing the ICC’s authority.
The bill has been introduced as a clear message to the ICC, with Mast emphasizing that while they may not recognize the court, there will be consequences if it targets America or its allies. The lawmakers are concerned about reports that the ICC may target Israel, even though Israel is not under the ICC’s jurisdiction. The bill would force Biden to take action against the ICC if it pursues investigations against protected persons.
House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik accused the ICC of undermining the only democracy in the Middle East by targeting Israel while ignoring human rights abuses committed by Hamas. State Department deputy spokesman Vidant Patel did not confirm or deny knowledge of the ICC’s reported plans but reiterated that the U.S. believes the ICC does not have jurisdiction over the Palestinian situation. The bill will need to advance through the House Foreign Affairs Committee before a possible House-wide vote.
Israeli officials are concerned about potential ICC arrest warrants over their response to Hamas attacks in Gaza and are prepared to defend their actions. There has been international criticism of Israel’s handling of the Gaza conflict, particularly regarding the blocking of humanitarian aid and the severity of its response. Prime Minister Netanyahu has vowed to protect Israel’s right to self-defense and reject any attempts by the ICC to undermine it. The bill introduced by House Republicans aims to protect U.S. sovereignty and send a warning to the ICC regarding potential investigations against protected persons.
