Biden White House says no to sanctions proposed by lawmakers over ICC’s Israel warrants.
The White House has taken a stance against proposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) following the ICC’s request for arrest warrants for Israeli officials accused of “war crimes” amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
During a White House press briefing, National Security Council Coordinator John Kirby stated, “We don’t believe that sanctions against the ICC is the right approach here.” The Biden administration does not recognize the ICC’s jurisdiction and does not support the arrest warrants sought against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
The ICC has called for arrest warrants for both Israeli and Hamas leaders, alleging “war crimes” on both sides. Despite its disapproval of the ICC’s actions, the Biden administration does not believe that imposing sanctions on the international tribunal is the solution.
Efforts have been made by lawmakers in both the House and the Senate to respond to the ICC’s actions. A bipartisan group led by Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) recommended visa bans for ICC officials and sanctions on the organization. This group included Democrat Sens. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), John Fetterman (D-Penn.), and Bob Casey (D-Penn.).
In addition to these recommendations, Reps. Chip Roy (R-Texas) and Brian Mast (R-Fla.) introduced a measure in the House that would require the president to impose sanctions on the ICC if it targets U.S. allies, like Israel, outside of its jurisdiction.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) mentioned ongoing discussions between Chairman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) and ranking member Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.) aimed at reaching bipartisan consensus on the ICC. However, with the White House’s opposition to sanctions, it remains uncertain whether the U.S. will take any action in response to the ICC’s requests.
