The White House Homeland Security spokesperson stated that imposing sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC) officials is not the appropriate approach. This decision was made following a bipartisan bill in the House of Representatives seeking to sanction senior ICC officials in response to the Prosecutor’s request for an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
However, the White House emphasized that the ICC does not have jurisdiction over military actions carried out by Israel in Gaza Strip. Secretary of State Antony Blinken had previously mentioned his willingness to collaborate with congressional Republicans to respond appropriately to the ICC Prosecutor’s request.
In response, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Republican Michael McCaul, supported passing a bipartisan bill to deter such actions by the ICC. However, 121 NGOs, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International America, urged President Joe Biden to oppose this initiative, which they believe aims to undermine the ICC.
The ICC Prosecutor’s Office announced the issuance of arrest warrants against Netanyahu, Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leaders for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. This move follows the October 7 attacks by Hamas and subsequent Israeli offensive in Gaza. US senators had sent a letter threatening sanctions against ICC officials in response to these developments.
