US House of Representatives has approved a bill imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) for issuing warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yuval Gantz for their involvement in the brutal bombing of Gaza.
According to reports from American media outlet CBC, the legislation garnered 247 votes in favor and 155 against, with the bill responding to the ICC’s recent rulings against Israeli authorities and Hamas leadership last month.
The US had expressed opposition to the ICC’s decision from its inception, finding common ground with dissenting groups within Israel, although various factions within Israel hold differing opinions regarding the conflict with Hamas.
Per CBC’s report, the legislation was anticipated in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, with only Democratic members in support, while prospects for its approval in the Senate remain uncertain.
During the deliberations in the House Foreign Affairs Committee, both Republican Party and Democratic Party representatives acknowledged the contentious nature of the bill, suggesting that it might not pass into law and calling for discussions on the matter at the White House.
They emphasized the importance of unity within Congress in dealing with the issue, asserting that any failure to act against the ICC’s illicit actions would implicate them in its unlawful endeavors, urging them not to remain silent but stand with their allies.