Bipartisan Effort to Counter ICC's Arrest Warrants for Netanyahu and Hamas Leaders

Key House lawmakers are working on a bipartisan response to the International Criminal Court's (ICC) request for arrest warrants against both Hamas and top Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The International Criminal Court's (ICC) request for arrest warrants against top Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has sparked outrage among U.S. lawmakers. In response, key House members are collaborating on a bipartisan resolution to counter the ICC's actions.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., confirmed the ongoing bipartisan discussions during his weekly press conference. Chairman Michael McCaul, R-Texas, and ranking member Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., are reportedly leading the effort on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

"The objective is trying to reach bipartisan consensus with respect to the International Criminal Court," Jeffries stated.

McCaul expressed strong opposition to the ICC's request, calling it "a flawed and politically motivated judicial body" and emphasizing that Israel has a robust judicial system. He stressed the need for a bipartisan response and potential sanctions against the ICC.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., reiterated his commitment to a strong response during his press conference, hinting at multiple options under consideration. He acknowledged discussions with Netanyahu and expressed concerns about the threat posed by the ICC to international allies and the U.S.

One potential option being explored is a House bill introduced by Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla., and Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas. The bill initially had 15 co-sponsors, but that number has since grown to 62, representing a significant portion of the House GOP conference.

Roy explained that the bill would likely serve as a starting point for further discussions, with potential adjustments regarding waiver provisions. Democrats have reportedly sought broader presidential waiver powers, which Republicans oppose.

Rep. Mike Garcia, R-Calif., who supports a response to the ICC, emphasized the need for strong U.S. action. "I think we need to be emphatic that a globalist organization does not have purview and domain over sovereign nations just writ large," Garcia stated.

It's important to note that Israel, like the U.S., is not under ICC jurisdiction. The Palestinian territories joined the ICC in 2015.

The House is expected to consider further action after the recess, with a potential vote on a bipartisan resolution in early June. The discussions and emerging responses reflect the strong bipartisan opposition to the ICC's request for arrest warrants against Netanyahu and other Israeli officials.