Former U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order sanctioning the International Criminal Court (ICC), criticizing its actions as “illegitimate and baseless” for targeting the United States and its ally, Israel.
The move imposes financial and visa restrictions on individuals involved in ICC investigations against American citizens or allied nations.
Trump signed the order while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was in Washington. The decision follows the ICC’s issuance of arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Hamas military leader Mohammed Deif, alleging war crimes in Gaza.
Netanyahu and Israel deny the allegations. The ICC had previously issued warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin over alleged war crimes in Ukraine, Taliban leaders for suppressing Afghan women, and Myanmar’s military leadership over crimes against the Rohingya Muslims.
While the U.S. and Israel are not ICC members, over 120 countries, including the UK and European nations, recognize its jurisdiction.
The Netherlands, which hosts the court, expressed regret over Trump’s sanctions, with Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp emphasizing the ICC’s role in combating impunity.
The White House memo accompanying the order accused the ICC of equating Israel with Hamas by issuing simultaneous warrants.
The executive order argues that the ICC’s actions set a “dangerous precedent” that threatens American sovereignty and national security.
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar praised the move, calling the ICC’s actions “immoral and baseless.” The U.S. has long rejected ICC jurisdiction over its officials, arguing it undermines Israel’s right to self-defense while overlooking threats from Iran and anti-Israel groups.
This is not the first time Trump has taken action against the ICC. During his first term, he sanctioned ICC officials investigating alleged U.S. war crimes in Afghanistan, but President Joe Biden later lifted those sanctions. Last month, the U.S.
House of Representatives voted to sanction the ICC again, but the measure stalled in the Senate.
Meanwhile, in response to increasing challenges against the ICC, a coalition of nations—including South Africa and Malaysia—formed the “Hague Group” to support the court’s authority.
Trump’s order comes amid his controversial proposal to “take over” Gaza, resettle its Palestinian population, and transform the area into the “Riviera of the Middle East.”
The plan has drawn sharp criticism from Arab leaders and the UN. While U.S. officials have attempted to clarify aspects of the proposal, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has instructed the military to prepare for the “voluntary departure” of Gaza residents.
During his Washington visit, Netanyahu also met with U.S.
lawmakers and presented Trump with a symbolic golden pager, referencing an Israeli military operation against Hezbollah last year.
Trump’s move against the ICC is likely to further strain U.S. relations with international legal bodies while solidifying his administration’s unwavering support for Israel.