Senate Majority Leader-elect John Thune on Tuesday criticized Democrats' difficulties in aiding Israel, saying “reinforcements are on the way” as Republicans prepare to take back control of the chamber on January 3. It is,” he added.
“My message to our allies in Israel and to Jews around the world is this: Reinforcements are on the way. Senate Republicans will regain the majority in six weeks. We will make clear that we stand squarely in one corner and will support the Trump-Vance administration in defending Israel and promoting peace in the region,” he said at a press conference with Senate Republican leadership.
Mr. Thune called on the incumbent Democratic majority leader, Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York, to introduce legislation that would punish the International Criminal Court for going after Israel.
If Mr. Schumer does not comply, Mr. Thune said, the Republican-controlled Senate will introduce such a bill next year and make this and similar legislation its “top priority.”
ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan asked the court to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and three Hamas leaders on suspicion of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
“It is outrageous and illegal. ICC misconduct is a threat to our ally Israel and, if left unchecked, could pose a threat to the United States in the future,” Thun, RS.D. ) said.
“I am calling on Leader Schumer to bring to the floor the bill that the House has already passed on a bipartisan basis to sanction the ICC. If he refuses to act, the Senate Republican majority will do so next year. We stand with Israel and will make this and other aid legislation a top priority in the next Congress.”
Under President Joe Biden, “Democrats have struggled to support our ally Israel, and this has literally divided the Democratic Party,” Thune said.
He noted that Sen. Bernie Sanders is expected to “introduce a resolution denying lethal aid to Israel.” Refusing to support our allies and shying away from calling out anti-Semitism at home has consequences,” Thun said.
Citing the ICC's actions against Israelis, he added, “It enables bad behavior and bad actors around the world and encourages others to abandon Israel in their time of need.”
Sanders is an independent from Vermont who caucuses with the Democratic Party. He announced plans to introduce legislation to block arms shipments to Israel.
