Official announcements or records from the U.S. Senate

Senate Leader Thune Threatens Sanctions Against ICC Over Arrest Warrants for Netanyahu and Israeli Officials

Nov 17, 2024, 11:49 PM

Incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune has announced that the U.S. Senate will consider sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC) if it proceeds with arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior officials. The ICC, led by Prosecutor Karim Khan, is pursuing charges against Israeli officials over alleged war crimes in Palestine. Thune, along with other Republican senators including Lindsey Graham and Susan Collins, emphasized the need to protect Israel from what they term as unlawful actions by the ICC. The House of Representatives has already passed similar sanctions legislation in a bipartisan vote, but Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has yet to bring the bill to the Senate floor. Republican leaders are urging immediate action during the lame duck session to support Israel and counter the ICC's efforts.