[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 173 (Thursday, November 21, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S6701]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Israel
Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, before I begin, I would like to say a word
about the International Criminal Court's issuing arrest warrants for
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Gallant.
The ICC's decision is outrageous, unlawful, and dangerous. Israel has
the right to defend itself, and the ICC's rogue actions only enable the
terrorists who seek to wipe Israel off the map. These actions threaten
Israel, but, left unchecked, they could pose a threat to the United
States in the future.
The Senate needs to stand strongly with our ally at this time. I am,
again, calling on Leader Schumer to bring a bill to the floor
sanctioning the ICC, which the House has already passed with bipartisan
support.
Last night, the Senate sent a strong bipartisan message of support
for Israel by rejecting resolutions that would have denied Israel the
lethal aid that they need. Now, the Democrat leader needs to bring up
the ICC sanctions bill.
If he chooses not to act, the new Senate Republican majority, next
year, will. We will stand with Israel and make this bill and other
supportive legislation a top priority in the next Congress.
In 6 weeks, Republicans will retake the majority here. And when we
do, we will make it clear that the United States stands squarely in
Israel's corner.