WASHINGTON — Yesterday, Representatives Ronny Jackson (TX-13) and Brad Sherman (CA-32) led their colleagues in sending a letter to the Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, expressing deep concern over the recent election of Nawaf Salam as the president of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The letter emphasizes that Judge Salam has a clear record of bias against Israel and that Judge Salam should recuse himself from any upcoming cases at the ICJ involving the Jewish state. Finally, the letter makes clear that if Judge Salam fails to recuse himself from these politically motivated anti-Israel cases, then the State Department should impose sanctions on him.

Jackson said: “It is abhorrent that somebody so blatantly biased and antisemitic is elected as president of the ICJ in the first place, let alone be allowed to rule on this sham anti-Israel case brought by South Africa against the Jewish state. A politically motivated ruling against Israel will set a horrible precedent that poses an international challenge to all states’ ability to defend themselves against terrorism and other threats to their security. Unfortunately, in a pathetic effort to serve as a pawn for the Iranian regime, South Africa has fallen victim to factually inaccurate terrorist propaganda. I will not stand by while Israel not only fights for its right to exist, but fights diligently to defend itself on the world stage against sham, antisemitic lawsuits being entertained by the ICJ and a Judge who has persistently revealed his deep-seated bias against the United States’ closest ally. Judge Salam, who is incapable of remaining fair and neutral in matters relating to Israel, must recuse himself now. If he does not, then he should be sanctioned. America must continue to stand strong with Israel, and I thank Representative Sherman and my colleagues for joining me in this bipartisan effort to hold the ICJ accountable.”

Sherman said: “The ICJ charter isn't a loose guideline - it’s a set of fundamental principles that underpins trust in our international institutions. Judge Salam is in direct violation of the charter, which makes it clear that ICJ judges may not participate in cases regarding issues where they have engaged in previous advocacy. Further, Judge Salam has run twice in the last 5 years for political office in Lebanon, a direct party to the current conflict. In order to maintain the trust and credibility of the ICJ, Judge Salam must recuse himself from this case in accordance with the ICJ charter.”

FDD Action said: “The bipartisan letter clearly illuminates why Judge Salam should recuse himself from the Israel-related cases before the Court.  If he does not, there is the likelihood he may put his thumb on the scales and unfairly subject Israel to orders that reflect his bias.”

The full letter can be found here. The letter is supported by American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).

Cosigners of Jackson and Sherman’s letter include Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14), Neal Dunn (FL-02), Keith Self (TX-03), Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), Anthony D’Esposito (NY-04), Bill Posey (FL-08), and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05).