USA imposes sanctions on the International Criminal Court over Netanyahu arrest warrant
Donald Trump announced sanctions against ICC officials, stating that the court threatens the sovereignty of the United States and Israel by attempting to arrest Israeli politicians.
Photo: Michael Vadon, CC BY 2.0
U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) after the court issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. This information was published on the White House website.
The document provides for the freezing of assets and a ban on entry into the U.S. for ICC officials and their families.
Trump called the court’s actions “illegal and unfounded,” stating that the ICC has no jurisdiction over U.S. and Israeli citizens, as both countries are not parties to the Rome Statute.
According to him, the arrest warrants pose a threat to U.S. national security as they create a dangerous precedent for American military personnel and diplomats.
The U.S. also expects its allies to oppose ICC decisions. The document states that Washington is prepared to take “harsh and tangible measures” against judges and court officials, including freezing assets and revoking visas.
Within 60 days, the U.S. Treasury Department will present a list of individuals subject to sanctions.
Earlier, the ICC launched a preliminary investigation into possible Israeli war crimes in Gaza and the West Bank. Israel rejects the accusations, stating that its army operates within the framework of international law.
The imposition of sanctions demonstrates the U.S.’s determination to protect Israel from legal prosecution by international bodies.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly thanked Donald Trump for his executive order against the ICC. On social media, he wrote: “Thank you, President Trump, for your bold executive order. It will protect America and Israel from a corrupt court.”
According to him, the ICC is waging a campaign against Israel, and Trump’s order is an important step in protecting the sovereignty and military of both countries.
The document prohibits cooperation with the court and imposes sanctions on its officials conducting investigations against the U.S. and Israel.
In response, the International Criminal Court (ICC) condemned the U.S. executive order imposing sanctions on its officials, stating that it undermines the independence of the judicial system. The statement was published on the ICC’s website.
The U.S. decision, announced in Washington, aims to pressure the court over its investigation of crimes. The ICC stated that it will continue its work to ensure justice for victims of atrocities.
The court urged its 125 member states and the public to unite in defense of human rights.
Earlier, it was reported that Donald Trump proposed deploying U.S. troops in Gaza, relocating its residents, demolishing ruined buildings, and transforming the area into an “economic paradise” under U.S. control.
It was also revealed that a U.S. federal court blocked Donald Trump’s executive order revoking birthright citizenship, stating that it violates the 14th Amendment of the Constitution.