US: Lawmakers Preparing Bill To Sanction ICC If It Issues Israel Arrest Warrants
by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) – A number of US lawmakers from both the Republican and Democratic parties are working on legislation that would sanction the International Criminal Court if it decides to issue arrest warrants for Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanhyahu or other senior Israeli officials, Axios reported exclusively.
The International Criminal Court is believed to be considering arrest warrants for Israeli leaders related to their prosecution of the war against Hamas in Gaza. Israel contends the war is needed to completely dismantle Hamas’ terrorist capabilities following the Oct. 7 massacre and kidnapping of civilians, while much of the world accuses the Jews of carrying out a genocide against Palestinians.
Responding to reports about forthcoming arrest warrants, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said in a statement on Monday: “If unchallenged by the Biden administration, the ICC could create and assume unprecedented power to issue arrest warrants against American political leaders, American diplomats, and American military personnel.” For its part the Biden administration said in a statement: “The ICC has no jurisdiction in this situation and we do not support its investigation.”
Meanwhile, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael McCaul (R-Texas) told Axios that lawmakers are working on a bill to sanction ICC officials if that should become necessary. Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) told Axios that the US should consider whether it wants to remain a signatory to the Rome Statute, the treaty which established the International Criminal Court. “We have to think about talking to some of the countries that have ratified [the treaty] as to whether they want to support the organization,” Sherman said.
Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.) said in a post on X: “I know Congress will ensure consequences for such an absurd decision.”
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