U.S. Senator Jim Risch, ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has strongly condemned the International Criminal Court's (ICC) decision to seek arrest warrants for Israeli officials.
U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today released the following statement on the International Criminal Court's (ICC) decision to seek arrest warrants for Israeli officials:
"I strongly condemn the International Criminal Court's decision to seek arrest warrants for Israeli officials. This is an outrage and a travesty of justice. The ICC has no jurisdiction over Israel, and its actions are politically motivated and biased.
The ICC's decision is based on a flawed investigation that was conducted without the cooperation of Israel. The investigation was initiated by a Palestinian group that is known for its anti-Israel bias. The ICC has ignored evidence that exonerates Israel and has failed to take into account the complex security challenges that Israel faces.
This decision is a dangerous precedent that will only serve to embolden terrorists and weaken Israel's ability to defend itself. It will also undermine the rule of law and the credibility of the ICC.
The United States stands with Israel and will continue to oppose the ICC's biased and politically motivated actions. We will work to ensure that Israel is not held accountable for defending itself against terrorism and aggression.
The ICC's decision is a reminder of the dangers of international organizations that are unaccountable to the people they claim to serve. The ICC is a court that has no respect for the rule of law or for the sovereignty of nations. It is a body that has been used to target political opponents and to advance the agendas of special interest groups.
The United States has never ratified the Rome Statute, which created the ICC, and we have no intention of doing so. We will continue to work to protect American citizens from the ICC's overreach and to ensure that the United States is not held accountable for its actions in defense of its national security.
I urge the Biden administration to take strong action against the ICC's decision. We must make it clear that the United States will not tolerate the ICC's attempts to undermine Israel's security and to interfere in our affairs.
The United States stands with Israel, and we will not allow the ICC to bully or intimidate it. We will continue to support Israel's right to defend itself and to hold its enemies accountable for their actions."
