The US House of Representatives voted on Thursday to impose sanctions on the International Criminal Court in protest over its issuance of arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Galant.

The vote was 243-140 in favor of the "Anti-Illegitimate Court Act," which would impose sanctions on any foreigner who investigates, arrests, detains, or prosecutes U.S. citizens or citizens of allied countries, including Israel, who are not members of the court.

Forty-five Democrats joined 198 Republicans in supporting the bill against the criminal court, and no Republicans voted against it.

"Our great ally Israel"

“America is passing this bill because a kangaroo court is seeking to arrest the prime minister of our great ally Israel,” said Representative Brian Mast, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, during a speech in the House before the vote.

The House vote, among the first in the chamber since the new Congress took office last week, was an affirmation of strong support among President-elect Donald Trump's fellow Republicans for the Israeli government now that they control both chambers of Congress.

Trump is scheduled to be inaugurated for a second term as president on January 20.

Newly appointed Senate Majority Leader John Thune has promised to fast-track the bill through the Senate so Trump can sign it into law shortly after taking office.

The International Criminal Court is a permanent court that can try individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and the crime of aggression committed in member states or by nationals of member states.