The U.S. Congress sanctions the International Criminal Court

Washington (QJ) – The U.S. Congress has passed a bill imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) in retaliation for the arrest warrants issued against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The legislation, which targets foreign individuals assisting the ICC, now moves to the Senate, where Republicans aim to swiftly approve it so that Trump can sign it into law after his inauguration on January 20, 2025.

The U.S. and Israel, both non-members of the ICC, argue that the court lacks jurisdiction over their officials. However, Palestine, which has been an ICC member since 2015, has granted the court authority over crimes committed in its territories.

Critics, including human rights organizations, warn that sanctioning the ICC will undermine global justice efforts and damage U.S. credibility on human rights issues. ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan insists that the arrest warrants are legally justified and are intended to prevent further violations.