The U.S. House of Representatives voted to impose sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) in response to its arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Benny Gantz. These warrants stem from allegations linked to Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
The vote, which passed 243 to 140, approved the “Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act.” This legislation would sanction any foreign individual involved in investigating, arresting, detaining, or prosecuting U.S. citizens or nationals of allied countries, including Israel, who are not ICC member states. The bill reflects strong bipartisan support for Israel, with 45 Democrats joining 198 Republicans in favor. Notably, no Republicans opposed the measure.
The ICC expressed concern over the U.S. House’s decision, warning that such actions could deny justice and hope to victims of atrocities. Judge Tomoko Akane, president of the ICC, stated last month that moves undermining the court could jeopardize its operations and its very existence.
The House’s action highlights continued Republican support for Israel, especially following their control of both chambers of Congress. This is one of the first major votes since the new Congress was seated. It also demonstrates alignment with previous measures taken during former President Donald Trump’s administration. In 2020, Trump imposed sanctions on the ICC in retaliation for its investigations into alleged war crimes in Afghanistan, including claims of torture by U.S. citizens.
Although President Joe Biden lifted those sanctions, Secretary of State Antony Blinken indicated in 2022 a willingness to collaborate with Congress on imposing new sanctions if the ICC pursued further actions against Israeli officials. Five years ago, then-ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda and other staff faced frozen bank accounts, blocked credit cards, and travel restrictions imposed by the U.S.
The ICC, an independent international tribunal, is tasked with prosecuting war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and aggression. However, its authority is limited to member states or their nationals. Israel and the United States are not members of the ICC, arguing that the court infringes on their sovereignty.
Supporters of the sanctions argue the ICC’s actions against Israeli leaders are politically motivated and undermine allies. Critics contend that targeting the court risks denying accountability for serious human rights violations and could harm global justice efforts.