Trump Sanctions ICC, Accuses Court of Targeting US, Israel

U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing it of unfairly targeting the United States and its ally, Israel. The order places financial and visa restrictions on individuals assisting the ICC in investigations involving American citizens.

The sanctions coincide with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington. In November 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes in Gaza, citing incidents from October 8, 2023, to May 20, 2024. The court accused both officials of directing attacks against civilians. A Hamas commander was also targeted by an ICC warrant.

Trump condemned the ICC’s actions, claiming they equated Israel with Hamas and set a “dangerous precedent” that could put Americans at risk of “harassment, abuse, and possible arrest.” The administration argued that the court’s decisions threaten U.S. sovereignty and undermine national security and foreign policy.

“The ICC has no authority over the United States, and we will not stand by while it launches politically motivated attacks on our citizens and our allies,” Trump said.

The ICC, which prosecutes genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes, has over 120 member states, including the UK. However, the U.S. and Israel have never joined. In recent years, the court has also issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin, Taliban leaders, and Myanmar’s military ruler.