Boise City Wire

U.S. Senator Jim Risch has voiced strong opposition to the International Criminal Court's recent actions, which include issuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. As the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Risch released a statement criticizing the ICC's decision.

Risch described the issuance of these warrants as "the nail in the coffin for the ICC," labeling it a "clearly political move" that undermines the organization's legitimacy. He emphasized that "the ICC does not have jurisdiction over Israel."

While acknowledging his previous support for the ICC's efforts to prosecute Russian President Vladimir Putin for war crimes in Ukraine, Risch stated he could no longer back an organization that disregards its mandate.

Risch urged President Biden to take immediate action by cutting off funding to the ICC and sanctioning those involved in what he termed an "illegal decision." He also called on Congress to address this issue through legislation: "If he doesn’t, the Senate must immediately vote on the bipartisan, House-passed Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act that will do just that."

He criticized Democrats for blocking consideration of this legislation and pressed Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to bring it up for a vote.