House Foreign Affairs Chair Advances Bill Targeting ICC After Arrest Warrant for Israeli PM

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Rep. Brian Mast (R-Fla.), the new chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, is pushing forward legislation to sanction the International Criminal Court (ICC) following its arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last year. Known as the Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act, the bill could reach the House floor for a vote as early as Thursday.  

 

A GOP congressional aide revealed that the bill enjoys widespread Republican support and some bipartisan backing, with approximately 40 Democrats endorsing a similar measure last year. However, that version did not progress under the previous Congress, as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) did not act on it.  

 

“This time, with a new Congress, we’re bringing it up early to send a strong message that the America Last foreign policy of the Biden era is over,” the aide stated. “This is just an opening act.”  

 

The proposed legislation, set to take effect 60 days after enactment, seeks to impose sanctions on individuals involved in investigating, arresting, detaining, or prosecuting U.S. citizens or officials from allied nations, including Israel. Additionally, it targets members of the Western security alliance NATO and key non-NATO allies such as Japan, Taiwan, Australia, South Korea, and Egypt. The bill also aims to withdraw all U.S. funding for the ICC and ban future financial contributions.  

 

Rep. Mast emphasized the bill’s intent in a statement, declaring it “sends a clear message to the International Criminal Court.” He added, “We may not recognize you, but you sure as hell will recognize what happens when you target America or its allies.”

 

Mast further criticized the ICC’s actions, arguing they undermine Israel’s efforts to defend itself and prolong conflict. “The ICC’s attempt to obstruct Israel’s right to defend itself has only prolonged the war and prevented the release of American hostages by boosting Hamas’ morale,” he said.  

 

Co-introduced by Mast and Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), the legislation has 17 Republican co-sponsors. Roy described the ICC as “an illegitimate body” with no authority to interfere in the sovereignty of the U.S. or its allies. He also condemned the court’s legal actions against Netanyahu, particularly in the aftermath of the October 7 attacks by Hamas.  

 

“Now it is engaged in a shameful lawfare campaign against Prime Minister Netanyahu for doing his duty to protect his fellow citizens from Hamas,” Roy stated.  

 

The legislation, Roy noted, also safeguards American troops from potential ICC “political attacks.” He expressed confidence that President-elect Trump would strongly support Israel, contrasting this stance with what he characterized as the Biden administration’s insufficient commitment.

 

“This bill will ensure that no future administration after him will be able to give the ICC a free pass to attack our allies like this,” Roy said.  As the bill awaits further action, it underscores ongoing tensions between the U.S., its allies, and the ICC over jurisdiction and sovereignty issues.

 

Based on a report by The Hill 2024-01-09

 

 

[koolkarl]

Well done Mr. Mast.  Also have the ICC defunded and prosecution charges brought against its executives along with jail time.

[Chomper Higgot]

I read H.R.8282.

 

Tail wagging the dog was my impression.

[Bkk Brian]

12 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

I read H.R.8282.

 

Tail wagging the dog was my impression.

Why?

[mrwebb8825]

"Sources close to ICC members said on condition of anonymity that the members were worried to be seen as worthless because every time they worked on a warrant for a Hamas leader, Isreal killed them".  🤠