Senate Divided on Imposing Sanctions on ICC

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee is currently deadlocked on how to address the International Criminal Court’s potential issuance of arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to a report from Punchbowl News.

Senator Jim Risch, the leading Republican on the committee, has refused to advance any legislative measures or nominations until Democrats agree to move forward with a bill imposing sanctions on the ICC, as reported.

Republican lawmakers believe that Democrats are attempting to shield the White House, which opposes the sanctions. A bill imposing sanctions on the ICC has already been approved by the House with bipartisan support.

Senator Ben Cardin, the Democratic Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, accused Republicans of engaging in political tactics.

“Defending Israel against this biased prosecution deserves the same bipartisan support as the overall U.S.-Israel relationship,” Cardin stated. “However, political maneuvering by Republicans has complicated the process, but I am in ongoing discussions with those Republicans who genuinely want bipartisan progress.”

Cardin described the House bill as divisive and partisan.

Following Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s refusal to put the House bill to a vote, Risch expressed anticipation for the committee to address the bipartisan ICC bill during the next meeting.

Senate Democrats argue that the House bill does not reflect bipartisan compromise, despite 42 House Democrats voting in favor of it.

Alex Nguyen, Schumer’s spokesperson, likened Risch’s approach to the prolonged blockade of military promotions by Senator Tommy Tuberville.

The ICC also announced its intention to seek arrest warrants against Hamas for their involvement in the conflict. President Joe Biden has criticized the ICC for equating Israel, a U.S. ally, with Hamas, a recognized terrorist group.

The proposed legislation would impose extensive economic sanctions and visa restrictions on individuals and judges affiliated with the ICC, as well as their family members.