Former President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) in response to its investigations that he deemed a threat to U.S. national security and its allies, including Israel. The order aims to impose significant consequences on individuals involved in such investigations.
The ICC faced strong opposition from both the U.S. and Israel after it issued arrest warrants in November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The court accused them of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
Trump’s order stated that the ICC’s actions set a dangerous precedent by putting American and allied personnel at risk of harassment and international prosecution. It also criticized the court for asserting jurisdiction without a legitimate basis and abusing its power by issuing the warrants.
The sanctions outlined in the order could include freezing assets, restricting property transactions, and denying ICC officials and their families entry into the U.S. The ICC condemned the sanctions, arguing that they undermine its independent judicial role.
Although neither the U.S. nor Israel recognizes the ICC’s authority, the court granted Palestinian membership in 2015, giving it jurisdiction over crimes committed in Gaza. Vincent Warren, executive director of the Center for Constitutional Rights, denounced the sanctions as an attack on the rule of law, warning that they could embolden perpetrators of human rights violations worldwide.
During a White House meeting with Netanyahu, Trump expressed strong support for Israel’s war efforts. He also made a controversial announcement, proposing that the U.S. take control of Gaza, permanently displace its population, and redevelop the area as a luxury destination. This proposal was widely condemned, with experts stating it could constitute ethnic cleansing and violate international law.
The executive order followed the Senate’s rejection of a bill that sought to impose sanctions on ICC officials. Some Democrats opposed the bill, arguing it was overly broad and could impact American companies working with the court. However, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer supported reforms to the ICC, citing concerns over its alleged bias against Israel.
The ICC’s arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant were issued after Israel repeatedly obstructed humanitarian aid to Gaza. The court accused them of deliberately depriving civilians of essential resources such as food, water, medicine, fuel, and electricity. Alongside these charges, the ICC also issued a warrant for Hamas military leader Muhammad Deif, holding him responsible for crimes against humanity, including murder, hostage-taking, and sexual violence. His death in an Israeli airstrike was later confirmed.
Additionally, the ICC had sought to issue warrants for Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar and Ismail Haniyeh, but both had been confirmed dead before the warrants could be executed.