The House of Representatives has passed a bill aimed at sanctioning the International Criminal Court (ICC) in response to its arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The legislation, known as the Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act, was approved with a vote of 243-140 and is expected to move to the Senate, where a swift vote is expected before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump.
The ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leaders in May, charging them with war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the 2014 conflict in Gaza. The warrant is the first of its kind issued against Western-backed officials and has been condemned by the US and Israeli governments.
The House bill, reintroduced by Reps. Chip Roy and Brian Mast, aims to sanction any foreigner who tries to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute US citizens or those of an allied country, including Israel. It would also claw back funds the US has designated for the ICC and prohibit any future funding for the court.
Senator Tom Cotton has introduced companion legislation in the Senate, and with Republicans in control of the upper chamber, the bill is expected to pass quickly and be sent to Trump’s desk.
