Western South Dakota News

U.S. Senator John Thune from South Dakota addressed the Senate Republican leadership press conference in Washington, focusing on the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its actions against Israeli officials. Thune emphasized that while Democrats show division over supporting Israel, Senate Republicans remain firmly aligned with their Middle Eastern ally.

Thune stated, "Well, it’s been over 13 months now since Hamas terrorists waged war against Israel. And for the past year-plus, Democrats have struggled to support our ally Israel, and it has literally fractured the Democrat Party."

He highlighted an upcoming resolution by Senator Sanders that aims to deny lethal aid to Israel as an example of this division. Thune expressed concern about the consequences of not supporting Israel and failing to address antisemitism domestically.

Regarding the ICC's pursuit of arrest warrants against Israeli officials, Thune remarked, "Now, you have the International Criminal Court, or the ICC, and its prosecutor pursuing warrants against Israeli officials. That is outrageous, and it is unlawful." He described these actions as a threat to both Israel and potentially America if left unchecked.

Thune urged Senate Majority Leader Schumer to advance a bill sanctioning the ICC—a measure already passed by the House with bipartisan support. He warned that if Schumer does not act, the Senate Republican majority will prioritize such legislation next year.

In his message to Israel and Jewish communities worldwide, Thune assured them of forthcoming support: "So to our allies in Israel, and to the Jewish people around the world, my message to you is this: Reinforcements are on the way."

Thune concluded by asserting that when Republicans reclaim the Senate majority in six weeks, they will reinforce U.S. congressional support for Israel alongside efforts by the Trump-Vance administration to defend Israel and promote regional peace.