US to Approve Sanctions Against ICC
House Speaker Mike Johnson made a powerful statement on Tuesday, affirming that the U.S. House of Representatives will soon approve sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its Chief Prosecutor, Karim Khan. This action follows the ICC’s deplorable decision to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, an overt attack on Israel’s sovereignty and its leaders who are defending their nation against terrorism.
“This week, the House will vote to impose sanctions on ICC officials and put the ICC prosecutor, Karim Khan, back in his place,” Johnson declared resolutely. “Khan has no jurisdiction over Israel or the United States, and the decision to issue these arrest warrants is not only unjust but an affront to all those who stand against terrorism. The ICC is equating Israel, a nation defending itself against terrorism, with the very perpetrators who hold Israeli and American hostages. It is nothing short of absurd.”
Speaker Johnson’s words reflect the deep outrage felt across the U.S. government at the ICC’s overreach, as it seeks to criminalize nations standing firm against terrorism. The House will not let these rogue actors distort international law to serve an agenda that threatens Israel’s right to defend itself and undermines the U.S.’s longstanding partnership with the Jewish state.
The House is expected to vote on the sanctions Thursday. This legislation, which had already passed the House in June, received support from both Republicans and 42 Democrats, though it was stymied in the Senate by former Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. The renewed push to hold the ICC accountable comes with the full backing of top Republicans in both Congress and the incoming administration, signaling a firm stance against the ICC’s moral relativism.
Sanctions imposed by the U.S. would effectively dismantle the ICC’s credibility. The incoming Trump administration is poised to take swift action, with plans to introduce “devastating” sanctions against the ICC’s prosecutors, judges, and the institution itself. These measures will likely be unveiled immediately after the inauguration, aiming to compel the ICC to withdraw its baseless arrest warrants.
President Joe Biden echoed the U.S. government’s strong support for Israel, condemning the ICC’s disgraceful actions. “The ICC’s issuance of arrest warrants against Israeli leaders is outrageous. Let me be clear: there is no equivalence—none—between Israel and Hamas,” Biden emphasized, reaffirming the U.S.’s unwavering support for Israel in the face of terrorism.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre further denounced the ICC’s actions, stressing that the U.S. will not enforce any arrest warrants and rejecting the court’s flawed process. “This decision lacks credibility, and we will stand with Israel against these baseless attacks on its leadership,” she affirmed.
The ICC’s attempt to criminalize self-defense and impose moral relativism in its dealings with terrorist organizations is an unconscionable betrayal of justice. It is the height of arrogance for an unelected body to undermine the efforts of a sovereign nation fighting terrorism while simultaneously offering a pass to dictators like Nicolás Maduro. The U.S. government, led by House Speaker Johnson and President Biden, is right to stand firm against this injustice and to make clear that any attempt to criminalize those defending against terror will be met with strong, decisive action.