Yesterday:
White House formally rejects bill to sanction ICC officials
In a so-called statement of administration policy, the White House voiced opposition to a proposal in the US Congress that would penalise International Criminal Court (ICC) officials over pursuing war crime charges against Israeli leaders.
It described the ICC prosecutor Karim Khan’s push for arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yaov Gallant as “heedless”. But it said it rejects compelling sanctions against ICC personnel.
Today:
US House votes to sanction ICC officials
The bill has passed in the House with a vote of 247 to 155, with nearly all Republicans in the chamber voting in favour. A few Democrats also joined the effort.
If passed by the full US Congress, the legislation would require the president to impose sanctions on ICC officials engaged “in any effort to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute any protected person of the United States and its allies”.
The measure comes after the chief prosecutor of the ICC requested arrest warrants for the Israeli prime minister and defence minister, spurring outrage among Israel’s allies in Washington, DC.
The Biden administration had earlier called the arrest warrant requests “outrageous”, but has since said it opposes the legislation.
"Failing to act here in the Congress, would make us complicit with the ICC’s illegitimate actions. We must not stay silent. We must stand with our allies."
WATCH as CHM @RepMcCaul delivers remarks on the "Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act" ⬇️https://t.co/dwuUY56FjR pic.twitter.com/RA9HONa77T
— House Foreign Affairs Committee Majority (@HouseForeignGOP) June 4, 2024
USA, how far can you fall
I guess it was just a short delay, well done Slovenia.
Slovenia lawmakers approve recognition of Palestine as independent state
In a majority vote, the Slovenian parliament has approved the recognition of an independent Palestinian state.
“Dear people of Palestine, today’s final decision of Slovenia is a message of hope and peace,” the country’s foreign minister, Tanja Fajon, said in a post on X. “We believe that only a two-state solution can lead to a lasting peace in the #MiddleEast. Slovenia will tirelessly continue to work on the security of both nations, Palestinians and Israelis.”
Spain, Ireland and Norway also recognised Palestine as an independent state last week.
On 4 June 2024, Slovenia 🇸🇮 officially recognises the independent and sovereign State of Palestine 🇵🇸.
"Dear people of Palestine, today's final decision of Slovenia is a message of hope and peace. We believe that only a two-state solution can lead to a lasting peace in the… pic.twitter.com/7FeuIWPRgZ
— MFEA Slovenia (@MZEZ_RS) June 4, 2024
