WASHINTON: The Trump Administration Moves to Sanction International Criminal Court as Washington prepares possible measures against the global tribunal following its arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to people familiar with the matter, the administration has prepared sanctions targeting the International Criminal Court (ICC), although the timing of any formal announcement remains unclear.
The reported move would significantly increase US pressure on the court, which investigates and prosecutes alleged war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. The United States and Israel are not members of the ICC.
Trump Administration Moves to Sanction International Criminal Court Amid Growing Dispute
The Trump administration has previously taken steps against individual ICC judges and prosecutors and has opposed the court’s investigations involving Israeli officials and US personnel. US officials have also called on the ICC to withdraw its arrest warrant for Netanyahu.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced in July a campaign aimed at isolating the court and urged other countries to withdraw from the tribunal. The US State Department had not immediately commented on the latest reports about possible sanctions.
Sources said sanctions against the ICC have been prepared, but the exact timing of an announcement remains uncertain. The Wall Street Journal reported that the decision could be finalized during the United Nations General Assembly meeting.
If broad sanctions are imposed, US citizens and companies could be restricted from providing funds, goods or services to the court without authorization from the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control.
Also Read: Trump Bars CNN from White House in Latest Clash with Media
Such restrictions could affect the ICC’s ability to obtain technology and insurance services, hire investigators and conduct routine financial transactions. Banking institutions could also limit dealings with the court because of their exposure to the US financial system.
The ICC was established in 2002 to prosecute individuals accused of war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity. It exercises jurisdiction under specific circumstances, including when national authorities are unable or unwilling to genuinely investigate and prosecute such crimes.
The United States and Israel have never been members of the ICC.
