U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) in response to its investigations into alleged war crimes by Israel, a key U.S. ally.
On Thursday, President Trump authorized an executive order targeting the ICC following its issuance of arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The warrants pertain to alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the Gaza Strip.
The executive order accuses the ICC of engaging in “illegitimate and baseless actions targeting America and our close ally Israel.” It asserts that the court’s actions set a “dangerous precedent,” potentially exposing U.S. personnel to risks of harassment and arrest. The sanctions include asset freezes and entry bans for ICC officials and their families.
In response, the ICC condemned the sanctions, emphasizing its commitment to “providing justice and hope to millions of innocent victims of atrocities across the world.” The court called on its 125 member states and the international community to stand united for justice and fundamental human rights.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed gratitude to President Trump for the executive order, describing the ICC as an “anti-American and antisemitic corrupt court” lacking jurisdiction over Israel and the U.S., as neither country is a party to the Rome Statute.
The move has drawn criticism from various quarters. The United Nations human rights office urged the U.S. to reverse the sanctions, highlighting the ICC’s role in ensuring justice and accountability for serious crimes. The European Union also expressed regret over the executive order, reaffirming its support for the ICC and the principles of international criminal justice.
This development underscores ongoing tensions between the U.S. and international judicial bodies, particularly concerning actions involving key allies such as Israel.
