WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Reps. Brian Mast (FL-21), Chip Roy (TX- 21), Elise Stefanik (NY-21) introduced legislation sanctioning the International Criminal Court (ICC) for seeking to punish Israel for defending itself against Hamas. The Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act would sanction any individual working to investigate, arrest, detain or prosecute American citizens or an official from an allied U.S. country, including Israel.

“Our legislation sends a clear message to the International Criminal Court,” said Congressman Mast. “We may not recognize you, but you sure as hell will recognize what happens when you target America or its allies.”

The Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act would sanction any foreign individual engaged in an effort by the ICC to investigate, arrest, detain or prosecute a U.S. citizen or an official from an allied U.S. country. As written, the legislation would cover officials from NATO as well as major non-NATO countries, including Israel, Japan, and Taiwan.

“The ICC is an illegitimate court that represents a massive threat to U.S. sovereignty,” said Congressman Roy. “America's policy should be unquestionably clear: if the ICC goes after our allies, there will be consequences.”

“The International Criminal Court’s threats to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and other Israeli Defense officials expose a campaign to undermine the only democracy in the Middle East, while turning a blind eye to the numerous human right atrocities committed by Hamas,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “The ICC is on notice; if they move forward with these illegitimate warrants, the international bureaucrats involved will face consequences.”

As part of the sanctions imposed by the act, ICC officials and their immediate family members would be denied visas to enter the United States. ICC officials already in the country would have their existing visas revoked and face deportation.

The legislation covers not just ICC employees and their families, but also individuals providing “financial, material, or technological support” to the organization.

A copy of the bill can be found here.

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