US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday, imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) for its investigations into Israel. Trump accused the ICC of taking “illegitimate and baseless actions” against America and its close ally Israel.
The court had recently issued arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The order warns of “significant consequences” for those involved in ICC actions against the US and Israel.
Sanctions could include freezing assets, blocking property, and denying ICC officials and their families entry to the US. Trump justified the move by stating that the ICC has no jurisdiction over Israel or the United States.
Human rights groups strongly opposed the sanctions, calling them a threat to accountability and free speech. Charlie Hogle, a lawyer with the ACLU, argued that the order discourages victims of human rights abuses from seeking justice. European nations, including the Netherlands, urged ICC member states to resist US pressure and ensure the court continues its work.
