Last week, Rep. Chip Roy of Texas and House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast of Florida introduced legislation to shield Israeli officials from the lawless and illegitimate attacks of the “International Criminal Court.”
Israel is currently at war with Hamas, a recognized terrorist organization.
The “Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act” (H.R. 23) would impose sanctions on any International Criminal Court officials who seek to go after U.S. citizens or her allies, including Israel.
The legislation passed the House on a bipartisan basis last Congress with the support of 42 Democrats. The bill never moved in the Democrat-controlled Senate. President Joe Biden supports the ICC.
The ICC is an illegitimate court that represents a massive threat to US sovereignty, Roy said. The Trump administration was right to impose sanctions on the associates of the ICC if they dare go after US citizens, servicemembers, or her allies; Biden’s decision to reverse that policy was weak, embarrassing, and wrong, he said.
Congressman Nick Begich III said he supports the bill.
“The U.S. is not a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC) nor party to the Rome Statute. Therefore, the ICC has no jurisdiction over the United States or its citizens,” Begich said. “Protecting the sovereignty of our nation and our citizens requires that we stand up to organizations like the ICC, make clear that we do not recognize their authority, and will not cede those rights uniquely protected under the United States Constitution. That is why I am proud to support the Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act.”
Rep. Roy said the ICC is engaged in a “shameful lawfare campaign against Prime Minister Netanyahu for doing his duty to protect his fellow citizens from Hamas in the wake of the barbaric October 7th attacks. But let’s be clear, this isn’t just about Israel, this is about ensuring that our nation’s sovereignty is protected, as well as the American servicemembers. If we do not check this rogue, leftist ‘court’ now, we can rest assured that our military leadership and troops will be the next targets of its political attacks.”
Roy continued, “While I have full confidence that President Trump will stand for Israel with the strength and moral clarity that Biden has sorely lacked, 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.”
Mast said the bill sends a clear message to the International Criminal Court: “We may not recognize you, but you sure as hell will recognize what happens when you target America or its allies. 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.”
