U.S. House Votes 243-140 to Sanction ICC Over November 2024 Arrest Warrants for Israeli Leaders

Jan 9, 2025, 03:35 PM

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act, imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its officials. The legislation, reintroduced by Representatives Chip Roy and Brian Mast, aims to protect Israeli officials from what they describe as 'lawless and illegitimate attacks' by the ICC. The bill passed with bipartisan support, with 243 votes in favor and 140 against, including 45 Democrats. It received support from 42 Democrats in a previous vote. The move comes in response to the ICC's issuance of arrest warrants in November 2024 for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leader Ibrahim Al-Masri over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. The Senate is expected to consider the bill soon, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune promising a swift vote. The legislation would also prohibit any future U.S. funding to the ICC and impose visa restrictions on its officials.