ALBAWABA- In a controversial decision, the US House of Representatives passed legislation on Tuesday to sanction the International Criminal Court (ICC) after it issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials. The 247-155 vote represents Congress' first legislative response to the ICC's decision last month to seek arrest warrants for leaders of Israel and Hamas.
The bill, which faces opposition from the White House and modest Democratic support, proposes economic sanctions and visa restrictions on ICC individuals and judges, including their families.
State Department spokesperson Matt Miller stated, "We oppose the decision by the ICC but don’t support sanctions."
Despite Israel not being a member of the ICC, the arrest warrants could complicate international travel for its leaders. House Foreign Affairs Committee chair, GOP Rep. Mike McCaul, emphasized the importance of congressional unity, stating, "We must stand with our allies."
This move is part of broader support from House Republicans for Israel following the October 7 attack by Hamas, which intensified the ongoing conflict.
