The International Criminal Court (ICC) finds itself at the center of a significant geopolitical controversy as former U.S. President Donald Trump signs an executive order authorizing sanctions against individuals and their families assisting the court. This move comes after the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister Yoav Gallant, prompting backlash from Washington. The order accuses the ICC of engaging in "illegitimate and baseless actions targeting America and our close ally Israel."
The ICC had anticipated retaliatory measures from Trump following the issuance of warrants, which also targeted several Hamas leaders. Trump's administration has consistently criticized the court, arguing that it lacks "jurisdiction, legitimacy, and authority" in the United States. The court's leadership feared this executive order would establish a legal framework for multiple rounds of sanctions.
Officials within the ICC described the threat of U.S. sanctions as a "worst case scenario." The potential sanctions would not only target individuals but also extend to the institution itself. This development coincides with Netanyahu’s visit to the U.S. Capitol, where he had an Oval Office meeting earlier this week.
The Trump administration's swift response underscores its disapproval of the ICC's actions against key political figures. While the exact timeline for announcing specific sanctions remains unclear, the threat has loomed over the court for months.
Trump has been a vocal critic of the ICC since it issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant last November. These warrants were related to alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza, sparking significant diplomatic friction.
The ICC continues to face backlash from Washington, with the recent executive order further intensifying the situation. The court's efforts to hold international figures accountable have met with resistance from powerful nations, leading to complex legal and diplomatic challenges.