Secretary of State also issued a statement condemning sanctions placed on Israeli officials by U.S. allies.
The State Department imposed sanctions this month on members of the International Criminal Court after it targeted U.S. and Israeli citizens in conjunction with President Donald Trump’s executive order that directed the action.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated, “These individuals directly engaged in efforts by the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute nationals of the United States or Israel, without consent from the United States or Israel. Neither the United States nor Israel is party to the Rome Statute.“
The secretary continued, “This dangerous assertion and abuse of power infringes upon the sovereignty and national security of the United States and our allies, including Israel. I call on the countries that still support the ICC, many of whose freedom was purchased at the price of great American sacrifices to fight this disgraceful attack on our nation and Israel.“
This week, after U.S. allies placed sanctions on two Israeli government officials, Secretary Rubio responded, “The United States condemns the sanctions imposed by the governments of United Kingdom, Canada, Norway, New Zealand, and Australia on two sitting members of the Israeli cabinet. These sanctions do not advance U.S.-led efforts to achieve a ceasefire, bring all hostages home, and end the war.“
He concluded, “We reject any notion of equivalence: Hamas is a terrorist organization that committed unspeakable atrocities, continues to hold innocent civilians hostage, and prevents the people of Gaza from living in peace. We remind our partners not to forget who the real enemy is. The United States urges the reversal of the sanctions and stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel.“
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For President Trump and Secretary Rubio to receive God’s direction as they respond to the actions of the ICC and sanctions placed by U.S. allies against Israelis.
- For the safety of U.S. officials and ambassadors at home and abroad.
- For wisdom for the president and members of his Cabinet as they determine how to respond to international conflicts.
Sources: Department of State
