Members of Congress Warn ICC of U.S. Retaliation Over Israeli Arrest Warrants

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is facing backlash from members of Congress in both parties over reported arrest warrants for senior Israeli officials. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has even reached out to President Biden for help in preventing these warrants, according to Axios.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) called the warrants “disgraceful” and “lawless,” warning that if left unchallenged, the ICC could set a dangerous precedent for issuing arrest warrants against American political leaders, diplomats, and military personnel. Johnson and other Republican lawmakers are calling on the Biden administration to demand that the ICC stand down.

Notably, even staunchly pro-Israel Democratic lawmakers like Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.) and Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) have criticized the reported warrants, with Torres calling for “strong consequences from both Congress and the President.”

While some Democratic lawmakers are urging caution and waiting for more information before passing judgment, others like Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) have condemned the potential warrants and vowed that Congress will ensure consequences for such a decision.

Overall, the situation highlights the deep divisions and strong bipartisan support for Israel within Congress, with lawmakers from both parties warning the ICC of potential retaliation and legislative action if these arrest warrants are issued.