On Tuesday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a Republican-led bill imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) following its top prosecutor’s recommendation of war crimes charges against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The bill, known as the Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act, was passed with a vote of 247 to 155. Notably, forty-two Democrats crossed party lines to support the bill alongside Republicans, despite opposition from the White House.
Authored by Texas Republican Representative Chip Roy, the legislation mandates sanctions and visa restrictions on any foreign individuals involved in prosecuting the U.S., Israel, or any other U.S. ally that is not a party to the ICC. This includes those who work for or provide funding to the ICC for such prosecutions.
The passage of this bill underscores the deep divisions within U.S. politics regarding international judicial bodies and their authority over American and allied nationals. Proponents argue that the ICC’s actions undermine national sovereignty and target allies unjustly, while opponents contend that the bill undermines international justice mechanisms and the rule of law.
As the bill moves forward, it is expected to face further scrutiny and debate, particularly regarding its implications for international relations and the enforcement of international law.