International Criminal Court Sanction Discussions in US Senate Stalled

After the Republican-led House of Representatives passed legislation a week ago imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court due to its prosecutor's request for arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Galant, discussions in the Senate have reached a "dead end." Two sources familiar with the talks told Axios that discussions among senior Democrats and Republicans in the Senate regarding potential sanctions on the International Criminal Court have stalled. It is also noted that there are no plans for discussions led by Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Senator Ben Cardin and Republican Senator James E. Risch. One of the sources added that Cardin continues to engage with Republicans who are not members of the Foreign Relations Committee regarding a response to the International Criminal Court's actions. According to Axios, the "absence of a solution" between the two parties in the Senate could eliminate any chances of passing the bill related to the International Criminal Court in Congress. The site also pointed out that "Republicans have used discussions on imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court to highlight internal divisions within the Democratic Party regarding Israel." Some Democrats have expressed support for imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court, but others are concerned about "permanent damage to the U.S. relationship with the court." Meanwhile, lawmakers have discussed other options for responding to the International Criminal Court, including cutting support for some of the court's programs.