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In early January 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the “Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act,” a bill imposing sanctions on individuals involved with the International Criminal Court (ICC) who investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute U.S. citizens or officials from allied nations, notably Israel. This legislative move came in direct response to the ICC’s application for arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, concerning alleged war crimes during Israel’s conflict with Hamas.

Passage of the Bill

The House approved the bill with a vote of 243 to 140, reflecting bipartisan support: 198 Republicans and 45 Democrats voted in favor, while all opposing votes came from Democrats.  The bill’s passage underscores the U.S. commitment to defending its allies against international legal actions perceived as overreach.

Provisions of the Bill

The “Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act” mandates the following measures:

Sanctions: The President is required to enforce sanctions, including visa revocations and asset freezes, against ICC officials involved in actions against U.S. citizens or officials from allied nations.

Funding Restrictions: The bill seeks to prohibit any U.S. taxpayer funding from supporting the ICC.

Scope: The sanctions extend to individuals providing financial, material, or technological support to the ICC’s efforts against protected persons.

Implications

The legislation reflects a strong U.S. stance against the ICC’s jurisdiction over its citizens and those of allied nations that do not recognize the court’s authority. It aims to protect national sovereignty and shield allies from international legal actions deemed illegitimate by the U.S. government. Critics argue that such measures could undermine international justice mechanisms and accountability.

The bill now awaits consideration in the Senate, where its future remains uncertain. The White House has expressed opposition to the legislation, suggesting it may be an overreach and indicating a preference for alternative methods to address concerns with the ICC.