SCHNEIDER STATEMENT ON ICC ARREST WARRANTS

WASHINGTON, DC—Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement in response to reports of arrest warrants being issued for Israeli leaders by the International Criminal Court:  

“The ICC’s assertion of jurisdiction over alleged crimes in the Palestinian territories represents a gross overreach and a dangerous politicization of international justice. This latest decision, which includes arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, undermines the ICC’s own credibility and principles.

“Israel is a democracy governed by the rule of law, with a proven track record of holding its leaders and military personnel accountable. The ICC’s decision to sidestep Israel’s robust legal system violates the principle of complementarity, the cornerstone of the Court’s mandate, and threatens to transform the ICC into a tool of political agendas rather than a guardian of justice.

“This decision further obscures the cause of the ongoing violence—Hamas. Hamas’s terrorist acts, including the deliberate targeting of civilians and the use of human shields, represent clear war crimes and crimes against humanity. Instead of focusing its resources on this internationally recognized terrorist organization, the ICC has chosen to undermine a democratic state defending itself in an existential war against enemies dedicated to its destruction.

“International justice for war crimes and crimes against humanity is critical to ensuring accountability, preventing atrocities, and deterring future violence. When institutions like the ICC lose their legitimacy through bias or politicization, they harm not only their own mission but also global efforts to uphold the rule of law. This decision makes the pursuit of justice more difficult and emboldens those who would undermine peace.

“I stand with the Administration’s unequivocal condemnation of this decision. We stand with our ally Israel and will continue to support its right to defend itself while promoting peace and stability in the region. The path forward lies in fostering direct negotiations and mutual recognition, not in politicized international rulings that deepen divides and embolden those who seek to destroy peace.”

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