Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, has signaled his readiness to work with Congress on the potential imposition of sanctions against officials of the International Criminal Court (ICC). This development follows the ICC's recent request for arrest warrants against Israeli leaders in connection with the Gaza war. The announcement was made during a Senate appropriations subcommittee hearing on Tuesday, where Blinken faced questions from Senator Lindsey Graham (R) and other members of Congress.
Senator Graham, a vocal advocate for renewed US sanctions against the ICC, pressed Blinken on the issue, emphasizing the need for decisive action rather than mere rhetoric. Graham inquired if Blinken would support a bipartisan effort to sanction the ICC, not only in response to the perceived injustice against Israel but also to protect future US interests. Blinken responded affirmatively, stating, "I welcome working with you on that".
The ICC prosecutor, Karim Khan, announced on Monday that he had sufficient grounds to believe that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's defense chief, and other officials were responsible for war crimes during the Gaza conflict. This move has been met with significant opposition from US lawmakers, who argue that it could complicate efforts to secure a hostage deal and a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
During the hearing, Blinken labeled the ICC's decision as "profoundly wrong-headed" and expressed concerns about its potential impact on diplomatic efforts in the region. He reiterated the US's historical support for the ICC's prosecutions, including the decision last year to issue an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin over the war in Ukraine. However, Blinken emphasized that the current situation with Israel required a different approach .
Republican members of Congress have previously threatened legislation to impose sanctions on the ICC, but such measures cannot become law without the support of President Joe Biden and his fellow Democrats, who control the Senate. The Trump administration had also taken a hard stance against the ICC, accusing it of encroaching on US national sovereignty when it authorized an investigation into war crimes committed in Afghanistan. In response, the US imposed asset freezes and travel bans on ICC officials .
The potential sanctions against the ICC highlight the complex interplay between international justice and national interests. As the US navigates its response to the ICC's actions, the collaboration between Blinken and Congress will be crucial in shaping the future of US foreign policy and its stance on international legal institutions.
