Boise City Wire

BOISE, Idaho – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released a statement today criticizing the United Nations International Court of Justice (ICJ) for ordering Israel to halt its self-defense campaign in Rafah.

"The UN has chosen to support terrorists who use hostages as weapons rather than support a sovereign nation that seeks to defend its citizens," said Risch. "Israel has the right to defend itself and do all it can to eliminate Hamas terrorists who have plainly stated they wish to wipe Israel and the Jewish people off the map."

Risch continued his criticism by addressing what he perceives as bias within the ICJ. "Once again, the ICJ at the UN has shown its hate, bias, and its predilection for antisemitism. The so-called 'court' has this all backwards – those on the court would do well to make a ruling against Hamas demanding that Hamas release the hostages, cease fire and lay down their weapons, and stop this war."

Expressing particular dismay over an American judge's vote in favor of the ruling, Risch added, "In particular, I am disgusted to learn an American judge voted for this ruling. The ICJ is both morally and structurally bankrupt, and the United States should immediately cut off its funding to this prejudiced organization."