why do Republicans care, since the US and Israel don’t recognize the court’s jurisdiction anyway?
I think both would likely be found guilty by any reasonable court. I don’t think Gaza has one, but I think Netanyahu’s legal troubles are going to get a lot worse in Israeli courts.
Graham said it plainly, the fear is that the precedent will allow ICC to go after US next. While US doesn’t recognize the ICC, this will be a geopolitical nightmare for the US. For example, countries that do recognize ICC, which is most of Europe, would be required to arrest US politicians when they visit.
The 247-155 vote amounts to Congress’ first legislative rebuke of the war crimes court since its top prosecutor made a stunning decision last month to seek arrest warrants for the leaders of Israel and Hamas.
While the House bill was expected to pass Tuesday, it managed to attract only modest Democratic support, despite an outpouring of outrage at the court’s decision, dulling its chances in the Senate.
The ICC prosecutor’s request for warrants will be assessed by a pre-trial panel of three judges, who take on average two months to consider the evidence and determine if the proceedings can move forward.
“This bill would have a chilling effect on the ICC as an institution which could hamper the court’s efforts to prosecute the dubious atrocities that have been perpetrated in many places around the world, from Ukraine to Uganda,” said Rep. Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the Foreign Affairs Committee.
The U.S. does not recognize the ICC’s jurisdiction, nor does Israel, meaning neither country would be required to transfer Netanyahu or Gallant to The Hague if the court issues warrants for their arrest.
Congressional leaders have invited Netanyahu to address a joint meeting of Congress this summer, which is likely to further inflame tensions over Israel’s handling of the war.
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