US House Targets ICC Over Israel Warrants

The US House of Representatives has approved legislation enabling Washington to impose sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) in response to its actions against the United States and its allies.

This move follows the ICC's issuance of arrest warrants targeting Israeli officials.

The legislation requires the US president to enforce sanctions against ICC officials responsible for these warrants.

Sanctions include denying visas, freezing assets within the United States, and prohibiting American individuals and companies from engaging in business with those listed under the sanctions.

The bill passed with 243 votes in favor and 140 against. It emphasizes that the US administration must act if the ICC investigates, detains, arrests, or prosecutes any individual granted immunity under US law.

This protection extends to American citizens, including military personnel, those who have worked for the US government, and citizens of allied nations that do not recognize the ICC's jurisdiction.

The ICC had issued arrest warrants in November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of committing "war crimes and crimes against humanity" during Israel's military actions in Gaza.

The legislation was introduced by Brian Mast, Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, in collaboration with Representative Chip Roy. Both lawmakers described the ICC's actions as "unjustified targeting of Israel" and emphasized the need for a robust response to defend US allies.