A move to impose sanctions on International Criminal Court (ICC) officials hit a roadblock in the Senate this week as Democrats refused to support it. The bill, which seeks to punish the court for its decision to prosecute top Israeli leaders over the military offensive in Gaza, failed to secure the necessary votes.

The Senate vote ended 54 to 45, falling short of the 60 votes needed to move forward. Only one Democrat, Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, backed the measure. The House had previously passed the bill with bipartisan support, including votes from 45 Democrats.

The ICC’s top prosecutor, Karim Khan, has faced criticism from lawmakers in both parties for pursuing war crimes charges against Israeli officials while also targeting Hamas leaders. The move comes after Hamas’ deadly attack on Israel in October 2023, which sparked intense conflict in Gaza.

However, many Democrats argued the bill was too broad, potentially affecting a wide range of ICC personnel and even U.S. companies collaborating with the court. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called the legislation “poorly drafted and deeply problematic,” urging his colleagues to oppose it.

The failed vote leaves the future of the bill uncertain, as tensions over the ICC’s actions continue to simmer in Washington. The debate highlights the divide over how to respond to the court’s decisions while addressing concerns about its fairness and scope.

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