President Donald Trump signed an executive order on February 6, freezing assets and banning entry into the United States for officials of the International Criminal Court (ICC) over what he called “unlawful and baseless” investigations targeting the U.S. and Israel.
A Strong Response to ICC Arrest Warrants
The executive order accuses the ICC of “abusing its power” by issuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials.
"The ICC has taken illegal and unfounded actions against the United States and our close ally, Israel," the order states. It refers specifically to ICC investigations into alleged war crimes by U.S. military personnel in Afghanistan and by Israeli forces in Gaza.
Trump’s sanctions freeze the assets of ICC officials, employees, and those assisting the court while also banning them and their families from entering the U.S.. Observers see the move as a clear show of support for Israel, following Netanyahu’s visit to the White House.
The ICC has not yet commented on the sanctions.
Background: ICC’s Arrest Warrants
Late last year, ICC prosecutors issued arrest warrants for:
- Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel
- Yoav Gallant, Former Israeli Defense Minister
- Mohammed Deif, Hamas Military Commander
ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan accused them of “crimes against humanity and war crimes” following the October 2023 Gaza conflict.
Trump’s Longstanding Opposition to ICC
This is not the first time Trump has targeted ICC officials. During his first term, he imposed financial sanctions and visa bans on then-ICC Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda and other senior court officials after the court launched a probe into alleged U.S. war crimes in Afghanistan.
In contrast, President Joe Biden lifted those sanctions in 2021, shortly after taking office. However, Biden himself criticized the ICC’s arrest warrant for Netanyahu in November 2024, calling it “outrageous.”
ICC’s Role and U.S.-Israel Rejection
Established in 2002 and based in The Hague, Netherlands, the ICC is the first permanent international tribunal dedicated to prosecuting individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. However, neither the U.S. nor Israel is a member of the ICC, and both reject its jurisdiction.
What’s Next?
Trump’s sanctions further escalate tensions between the U.S. and ICC, reinforcing Washington’s opposition to international legal actions against its allies. Meanwhile, ICC prosecutors have vowed to continue their investigations into alleged war crimes, regardless of U.S. pressure.
(Sources: AFP, Reuters)
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