On Wednesday, the Republican-controlled House enacted a bill that threatened to impose sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) in response to the chief prosecutor’s request for arrest warrants against Israeli leaders.
205 Republicans and forty-two Democrats voted to pass the Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act, which was subsequently sent to the Senate.
Despite his criticism of the warrant applications, President Joe Biden is opposed to the law.
“This sends a strong message to the ICC that we will not tolerate their outrageous attacks on Israel,” Congressman Chip Roy said in a recent statement.
“But let’s be clear, this isn’t just about Israel, this is about ensuring that our nation’s sovereignty is protected, as well as our servicemembers. Absent decisive leadership at the White House, Congress must stand in the breach defending our allies and our sovereignty.” he continued.
The legislation would “impose sanctions on the International Criminal Court in relation to any endeavor to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute any protected person of the United States and its allies.”
The president would be required to impose restrictions on the transactions of property and interests within the United States, as well as the visas, admission, or parole of individuals who are associated with offending actions by the ICC, as a result of the penalties outlined in the measure.
The sanctions measure was introduced by Reps. Chip Roy (R-TX) early last month, who cited reports that the International Criminal Court (ICC) was prepared to issue arrest warrants against Israeli officials in response to the war in the Gaza Strip.
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