US House passes bill to sanction ICC over Israeli PM Netanyahu, Gallant arrest warrants
US House Passes Bill to Sanction ICC Over Netanyahu Arrest Warrant
The US House of Representatives has passed a bill called the "Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act" to impose sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC). This move comes after the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. The bill passed with a vote of 243 to 140, showing strong support for Israel, with 45 Democrats joining 198 Republicans in favor.
Details of the Bill
The proposed sanctions target individuals or entities that assist the ICC in investigating, arresting, or prosecuting US citizens or citizens of allied nations that do not recognize the court's authority. Sanctions include freezing assets and denying visas. The bill will now be reviewed by the Senate, which is controlled by Republicans.
Reactions and Implications
Representative Brian Mast, the Republican chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, stated that the law is a response to what he called a "kangaroo court" targeting Israel's prime minister. Human rights organizations have criticized the bill, arguing it undermines an independent judicial body and could harm global justice efforts. Despite criticism, the Senate is expected to act quickly, allowing President-elect Donald Trump to sign it into law.
Background on the ICC
The ICC, based in The Hague, Netherlands, prosecutes individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and aggression. Although Israel is not a member, the ICC has jurisdiction over crimes in member states' territories. The US has had a complex relationship with the ICC, supporting it in some cases, like the investigation into Russian President Vladimir Putin, but opposing it in others.
Doubts Revealed
US House of Representatives
The US House of Representatives is one of the two parts of the United States Congress, where laws are made. It is similar to the Lok Sabha in India.
Sanctions
Sanctions are penalties or restrictions imposed by one country on another, often to influence behavior or policies. It's like a punishment to make someone follow rules.
ICC
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is a court that prosecutes people for serious crimes like war crimes and genocide. It is located in The Hague, Netherlands.
Netanyahu
Benjamin Netanyahu is a political leader from Israel who has served as the Prime Minister. He is a well-known figure in international politics.
Arrest Warrant
An arrest warrant is an official document issued by a court that allows the police to arrest someone. It's like a permission slip for the police to catch a person.
The Hague
The Hague is a city in the Netherlands where many international organizations and courts, like the ICC, are located. It's known for being a center of international law.
War Crimes
War crimes are serious violations of the laws of war, which include harming civilians or prisoners. They are considered very serious offenses in international law.
Senate
The Senate is the other part of the United States Congress, similar to the Rajya Sabha in India. It reviews and approves laws passed by the House of Representatives.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *