Support Justice in Palestine and Israel; NO on HR8282

I urge you to oppose HR8282 and reaffirm the United States’ commitment to upholding international law and supporting the institutions that ensure its enforcement. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has jurisdiction in the State of Palestine, which holds observer status at the United Nations and is a signatory to the Rome Statute. The ICC’s ability to investigate allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, is rooted in established international legal frameworks. Claims suggesting otherwise are not only misleading but also harmful to the pursuit of justice. As Amnesty International and other human rights organizations have highlighted, the ICC plays a critical role in holding perpetrators accountable for egregious violations of human rights and humanitarian law. Undermining the ICC’s legitimacy in these cases sends a dangerous message: that certain individuals or states are above accountability. Such a stance erodes the foundations of international justice and weakens the mechanisms designed to prevent and redress atrocities. It is vital that the United States stand on the side of justice and accountability. Supporting HR8282, which falsely denies the ICC’s jurisdiction and undermines its role, is inconsistent with these principles. I urge you to reject this measure and instead advocate for policies that uphold international law and ensure accountability for all, regardless of their position or power. I look forward to your No vote.