House Approves Sanctions on ICC in Response to Netanyahu Warrant
The House approved a bill on June 4 that would impose sanctions on individuals who assist the International Criminal Court (ICC). This legislation is in response to the ICC’s intention to seek an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The final vote was 217-155, with two members voting “present.”
ICC prosecutor Karim A.A. Khan announced on May 20 that arrest warrants will also be sought for Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar, Ismail Haniyeh, and Mohammed Diab Ibrahim al-Masri for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity following a terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
The Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act, introduced by Reps. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) and Chip Roy (R-Texas), allows the U.S. to impose sanctions on any foreign individual who aids the ICC in investigating, arresting, detaining, or prosecuting a protected person, as well as those who support these efforts financially or technologically.
The president must implement these sanctions within 60 days of the legislation’s enactment and continually if the ICC continues its actions against protected persons.
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Sanctioned individuals would be barred from entering or staying in the U.S.
During a Senate hearing on May 21, Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed willingness to collaborate with Congress on a legislative response to the ICC’s actions.
Mr. Blinken explained that the ICC’s announcement hampers efforts to achieve a cease-fire and negotiate for the release of hostages held by Hamas. He indicated openness to working on legislation to hold the ICC accountable, pending further details.
In an interview with CNN on May 21, Mr. Netanyahu criticized the ICC’s decision as “beyond outrageous.”
Despite this, the White House opposes the House bill.
The White House believes there are more effective ways to defend Israel, uphold U.S. stances on the ICC, and advance international justice and accountability. They expressed readiness to collaborate with Congress on exploring alternative options.
On May 20, Mr. Gallant condemned the ICC prosecutor’s comparison of Hamas to Israel as “despicable.”
Hamas justified its actions as “armed resistance,” stating in a May 20 release that the ICC’s decision equates the victim with the perpetrator.
Alongside the administration, bipartisan members of Congress have criticized the ICC’s ruling.
