Trump Hits the ICC with Sanctions Over Netanyahu Arrest Warrant

Washington D.C., USA: US President Donald Trump has escalated tensions with the International Criminal Court (ICC) by imposing sanctions on its officials. The move follows the ICC's November arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes in Gaza. Trump called the court "illegitimate" and criticized its actions against the US and its ally Israel.

The executive order, issued on Thursday, includes asset freezes and travel bans targeting ICC officials involved in investigations against American citizens and allies. It accuses the ICC of "abusing its power" and undermining US sovereignty. Neither the US nor Israel are signatories to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC.

This unprecedented action has drawn reactions from around the globe. While Israel’s leadership supports Trump’s stance, European leaders and human rights groups have voiced concern, calling the sanctions a direct attack on the international legal system. The ICC itself has vowed to continue its work despite the sanctions.

The order has sparked debate over the ICC’s ability to investigate war crimes and the potential chilling effect on international efforts to uphold justice.