The United States Senate recently blocked a bill that aimed to impose sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) over its decision to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The bill failed to pass, receiving 54 votes in favor and 45 against, requiring 60 votes to move forward. While many Democrats opposed the bill, some criticized the ICC for allegedly unfairly targeting Israel.
In May, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant, accusing them of war crimes related to actions in Gaza, including the use of starvation as a weapon. The court also issued a warrant for Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif, tied to the October 7, 2023, attacks in southern Israel.
Read More: ICC Issues Arrest Warrant for Israel’s PM Netanyahu
The proposed legislation drew criticism from international legal experts, European officials, and former ICC administrators, with UN human rights experts warning that it could undermine global accountability efforts. Despite opposing the bill, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed support for countering the ICC’s actions but called the bill’s language problematic. Republican Senator John Thune defended the bill, arguing that it was a matter of concern for US national interests.
This move recalls former President Donald Trump’s 2020 sanctions on ICC officials over investigations into US military actions abroad. While President Biden later revoked those sanctions, Trump reimposed them, though this remains symbolic for now.
The ICC maintains jurisdiction over alleged crimes in Gaza, as Palestine has been a member since 2015. The court has accused Israeli officials of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including obstructing humanitarian aid and committing attacks on civilians. These actions have contributed to a high death toll in Gaza and widespread displacement.
The ICC had also sought arrest warrants for Hamas leaders Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar, but both were killed in Israeli airstrikes before any legal action could be pursued.
