Washington, D.C. – [1/9/2025] – United Voices strongly condemns the U.S. House of Representatives for passing H.R. 23, the so-called “Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act,” a blatant attempt to obstruct justice and shield Israeli leaders from accountability for war crimes and genocide in Gaza. The bill, introduced by Representatives Brian Mast (R-FL) and Chip Roy (R-TX), seeks to impose U.S. sanctions on individuals involved in investigating, prosecuting, or holding accountable American citizens or officials from U.S.-allied nations, including Israel.

This legislation is a direct attack on the International Criminal Court (ICC) and an insult to the global pursuit of justice. It is a desperate effort to protect Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials from facing prosecution for their crimes against Palestinians. By supporting this bill, 243 members of Congress—including 42 House Democrats—have openly aligned themselves with war criminals, placing political interests above international law and basic human decency.

Congress is Undermining Justice to Shield War Crimes

H.R. 23 represents a dangerous escalation in U.S. complicity in Israel’s genocide against the Palestinian people. Rather than supporting the ICC’s investigations into Israel’s mass killing of over 45,000 Palestinians in Gaza, Congress is attempting to intimidate and sanction those working to uphold international law. The message is clear: American lawmakers are willing to dismantle the rule of law to protect a foreign government engaged in ethnic cleansing.

United Voices calls on all people of conscience to contact their senators and demand they reject H.R. 23. This bill not only obstructs legitimate investigations into Israeli war crimes but also undermines the principles of accountability and justice that the U.S. claims to uphold. The ICC must be allowed to do its job—without interference from politicians seeking to whitewash genocide.

The U.S. government must stop shielding Israeli war criminals and start standing for justice and peace.

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