President Donald Trump has signed an executive order imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing the body of acting “illegitimately” against the United States and its ally, Israel.
Sanctions Target ICC Investigations Involving U.S. and Israeli Citizens
The executive order enforces financial and visa restrictions on individuals and their families who assist in ICC investigations concerning American citizens or allies. The move coincides with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington.
ICC Issues Arrest Warrants for Netanyahu and Hamas Commander
In November, the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu over alleged war crimes in Gaza, which Israel denies. A warrant was also issued for a Hamas commander. The White House memo, circulated on Thursday, criticized the ICC for creating a “shameful moral equivalency” by issuing the warrants simultaneously for both Netanyahu and Hamas.
Trump’s Executive Order Warns of National Security Risks
Trump’s executive order warned that the ICC’s actions “set a dangerous precedent,” potentially exposing Americans to “harassment, abuse, and possible arrest.” The order stated that these actions jeopardize U.S. sovereignty and undermine critical national security and foreign policy efforts, including those related to Israel.
U.S. Rejects ICC Jurisdiction
The United States is not a member of the ICC and has consistently rejected any jurisdiction over American officials or citizens by the court.
