The House passed a bill with an overwhelming majority to sanction the International Criminal Court (ICC) due to its issuance of arrest warrants targeting Israeli leaders. These warrants are based on allegations of crimes against humanity in Gaza, where the death toll from Israel’s actions has now surpassed 46,000 people. It is important to note that this number may not accurately reflect the true extent of the loss of life.
The Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act was passed with a vote of 243 to 140, gaining support from 45 Democrats who joined forces with the majority of Republicans. Although the legislation has not been introduced in the Senate yet, there is hesitation among Democrats and some Republicans to move it forward, especially when the Senate was under Democratic control. It remains uncertain whether the Act would be able to secure the necessary 60 votes for its passage.
If the bill is enacted, it would require the president to impose extensive sanctions on individuals and their families who are associated with the ICC and attempt to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute individuals under U.S. protection. Experts have criticized the bill for being excessively broad and highly detrimental to the already fragile state of international law. This legislation would significantly undermine the court’s capacity to hold war criminals accountable worldwide.
The bill explicitly addresses the International Criminal Court’s warrants against Israeli leaders, asserting that they are “illegitimate.” As reported by Sludge, AIPAC has actively advocated for the bill’s approval. Previously, the House passed the legislation, which was presented by Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), but the Senate did not take it up for consideration. At that time, forty-two Democrats voted in favor of the bill.
Critics argue that the bill is designed to protect Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from being held accountable for the alleged genocide in Gaza.
“On Thursday, Representative Jim McGovern (D-Massachusetts) voiced his criticism of the Republican party’s desire to sanction the ICC, attributing it to their reluctance to abide by universal rules,” expressed McGovern during his speech on the House floor.
According to McGovern, Republicans are actively undermining human rights while neglecting pressing domestic issues in the United States.
According to McGovern, California is currently experiencing a natural disaster, facing a gun violence epidemic with frequent school massacres, and families are struggling to make ends meet due to the exploitation by billionaire corporations. Despite these pressing challenges, the Republican party, consisting of out-of-touch elitist billionaires, is prioritizing the sanctioning of the ICC, which McGovern believes is a waste of time.
The bill holds significant importance as it is the second one being discussed by the recently inaugurated House, showcasing its prominence as one of the top priorities for the Republicans in the new session.
“What is the main focus of the new Congress’ first week? Is it reducing costs or tackling the housing crisis? Surprisingly, it seems that their top priority is imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court in order to shield Netanyahu, who is accused of being a genocidal maniac, and enable him to carry on with the atrocities in Gaza,” expressed Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-Michigan).
According to McGovern, negotiations were conducted to modify the legislation in order to weaken its impact on the ICC. However, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) disregarded the discussion and pushed for the passage of the bill in its “most extreme version.” Republicans also expedited the bill’s progress, designating it as one of the twelve bills exempted from points of order under the new House rules package.
As many human rights and civil society groups have cautioned, McGovern emphasized that the sanctions will further isolate the U.S. on the international stage.
“Where has our humanity gone? Have we completely abandoned the concept of human rights? The war in Gaza has claimed the lives of at least 45,000 individuals, and I suspect that the actual number is far greater,” he expressed with concern.
“People are losing their lives. Children and babies are perishing. Some are victims of bombs, others are succumbing to starvation and the bitter cold.”
Congressman McGovern expressed his concern about the idea of Congress imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) due to their criticism of the actions in Gaza by a close ally. He stated that such sanctions would not only undermine the credibility of the court but also the credibility of the United States on human rights issues.
Senate Republicans have made it clear that they will take action against ICC officials who have sought to issue arrest warrants for Israeli leaders. In a letter signed by 12 senators, including Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), they warned, “If you target Israel, we will target you.” The message was a clear warning to these officials.
A letter signed by a coalition of 114 civil society, advocacy, and rights groups has been sent to Congress this week. The letter serves as a plea to lawmakers, urging them not to pass the bill. It emphasizes the potential danger of the United States undermining the infrastructure of international human rights enforcement.
The letter expresses concern that the United States, by implementing these measures within a court that has been entrusted by 125 countries and the United Nations Security Council to ensure accountability for heinous crimes, has now aligned itself with impunity rather than justice. It argues that imposing sanctions could potentially empower authoritarian regimes and individuals who wish to escape accountability and evade the consequences of their actions.
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