US Senator Tom Cotton has issued a scathing statement against the International Criminal Court (ICC) for its ongoing efforts to issue arrest warrants against Israeli officials amid the Gaza conflict. Cotton condemned the ICC as a “kangaroo court,” arguing it has no jurisdiction over Israel and is pursuing a baseless legal strategy.

Cotton’s critique extended to ICC prosecutor Karim Khan, warning that any attempts to target Israeli or US officials would be seen as an “act of aggression” against the United States and its allies. He insists that Khan’s actions should face “swift retaliation” from the US.

The senator pointed to a recently House-passed bill that calls for sanctions on Khan and any officials involved in pursuing international arrest warrants against US allies. Cotton emphasized that the Senate should expedite a vote on the legislation, aiming to counter what he perceives as unjustified legal actions by the ICC.

Although Cotton was widely expected to take a senior position in the anticipated Trump administration, he reportedly plans to stay in the Senate, potentially signaling a focus on foreign policy and legislative actions in defense of US allies, particularly Israel.