In a significant statement during his confirmation hearing, Marco Rubio, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of State, announced that he would revoke the sanctions imposed by the Biden administration on settlers in Judea and Samaria. He also criticized the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.
Furthermore, Rubio declared, “The Trump administration will be the most pro-Israel in American history.”
During the hearing held late Wednesday night, Rubio expressed strong opposition to the ICC’s actions, particularly its arrest warrants against senior Israeli officials. “The court has damaged its international credibility,” Rubio stated. “It is targeting a country that is not even a member of the court. This is a dangerous precedent for the U.S. and an attempt to see if non-member state leaders can be pursued.”
Rubio warned that the ICC could eventually act similarly against U.S. leadership, which is also not a member of the court. Rubio has previously voiced support for Israel’s policies during conflicts in Gaza. He stated, “I hope Israel destroys every element of Hamas; they are savage animals.” The senator held Hamas responsible for civilian casualties in Gaza.
Senator @tedcruz pressed Senator @marcorubio during his secretary of state confirmation hearing on reversing discriminatory sanctions against Israeli Jews living in Judea and Samaria.
Rubio responded: "I'm confident in saying that President Trump's administration will continue… pic.twitter.com/i4p9mNkwny
— Jewish Insider (@J_Insider) January 15, 2025
