The US House of Representatives, led by the Republicans, has passed a bill to impose sanctions on International Criminal Court (ICC) officials who pursue arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli officials for alleged war crimes in Gaza.

The bill had bipartisan support, passed by 42 Democrats and all voting Republicans, with a vote of 247-155.

The decision has ignited a heated debate. Proponents of the bill argue it is a necessary measure to defend Israel’s sovereignty and protect its leaders from what they see as politically motivated prosecutions.

They believe that the ICC’s actions are an overreach and undermine the authority of sovereign nations to handle their own legal matters.

Opponents of the bill contend that it undermines international law and the accountability mechanisms designed to address serious crimes like war crimes and crimes against humanity.

They argue that sanctioning ICC officials sets a dangerous precedent, potentially shielding individuals from legitimate legal scrutiny and diminishing the role of international justice.

The outcome of this legislative move could has significant implications for US relations with the ICC and the broader international community, as well as for the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

It is a sign of longstanding strong allyship between the United States and Israel.