Renewed Call by Speaker and Other Top Republicans for Sanctions on ICC

A recent decision by the International Criminal Court to issue arrest warrants for Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes has sparked outrage among Republicans. They have called for sanctions against the ICC, stating that it has no authority over democratic nations like Israel and the United States. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., took to Twitter to express his condemnation of the decision, emphasizing that Israel is fighting a just war for survival and should not be equated with terrorists.

Republicans, including Rep. Elise Stefanik, Rep. Chip Roy, and Senators Tom Cotton, Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, and Bill Hagerty, have introduced legislation to reimpose sanctions against the ICC and its employees who investigate or prosecute the U.S. or its allies. Former President Donald Trump had placed sanctions on the ICC in 2020, but the Biden administration lifted them in April 2021. Both the U.S. and Israel do not recognize the authority of the ICC.

In response to the ICC’s decision, Republicans have criticized the court for targeting Israeli leaders and have pledged to take action to punish those involved. The House bill aims to revoke the visas of ICC employees or associates involved in investigating or prosecuting U.S. or allied troops and officials.