Members of the US Congress from both parties have issued a stern warning to the International Criminal Court (ICC), cautioning that Washington will retaliate if the court moves forward with issuing arrest warrants against top Israeli officials. Axios reports that lawmakers are already crafting legislation aimed at sanctioning ICC officials, with House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul indicating that a bill is in the works, albeit expressing hope that such measures will not be necessary.
US House Speaker Mike Johnson condemned the reported intentions of the ICC to issue arrest warrants over the Gaza war, denouncing the potential action as “disgraceful.” Johnson emphasized the baselessness and illegitimacy of such warrants, highlighting the detrimental implications for US national security interests. He warned that allowing the ICC’s actions to go unchallenged could set a dangerous precedent, granting the court unprecedented authority to target American political leaders, diplomats, and military personnel, thereby undermining the country’s sovereign authority.
The statements from US lawmakers underscore the gravity of the situation and reflect bipartisan concerns regarding the potential consequences of ICC actions against Israeli officials. The looming threat of retaliation underscores Washington’s commitment to safeguarding its interests and sovereignty in the face of perceived challenges to its authority by international bodies like the ICC.