Ocean County Leader

Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Co-Chair of the Israel Allies Caucus, has expressed strong disapproval regarding the International Criminal Court's (ICC) decision to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

In his statement, Rep. Smith described the ICC's actions as "a grotesquely bad decision by a court that is corrupted by blatant antisemitism." He further criticized the ICC, labeling it as "a rogue actor on the world stage," and emphasized that "the United States must have a more effective long-term approach for how to respond to it."

Smith also connected this action by the ICC to what he perceives as ongoing antisemitism in international bodies. He noted, "Their latest action is a further manifestation of the same antisemitism that is rampant at the United Nations and related international organizations." Highlighting his efforts in Congress, Smith stated, "In this Congress alone, I’ve chaired four congressional hearings on how they are absolutely infiltrated by antisemitic personnel who on a daily basis go after Israel with such cruelty."

The congressman underscored his support for legislative measures against the ICC, mentioning that "with my strong support and vote, the House passed the Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act in June to sanction the ICC for such abuse." He urged immediate action from another branch of government: "The Senate should immediately pass this critical legislation."

Smith concluded his statement with an emphasis on supporting Israel: "Israel needs the ability to defend itself—and they need friends and partners."