In a bold move, US President Donald Trump has reinstated sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC), targeting those involved in investigations related to US citizens and allies like Israel. This announcement came on 6 February 2024, coinciding with a visit from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Sanctions Overview
Trump’s executive order labelled ICC actions as “illegitimate and baseless,” particularly concerning recent arrest warrants for Netanyahu and other Israeli officials accused of war crimes. The sanctions include:
- Freezing assets of designated individuals in the US.
- Travel bans for those involved and their families.
- Restrictions on persons aiding the ICC.
The sanctions echo actions taken during Trump’s first term when he imposed similar restrictions on the ICC’s then-prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, after her investigation into alleged war crimes committed by US forces in Afghanistan.
The ICC’s Response
While the ICC has yet to comment on the latest sanctions, court officials took preventive measures months prior by issuing salaries in advance to shield against potential financial restrictions. In December 2023, ICC President Judge Tomoko Akane warned of the severe consequences sanctions could impose on the court’s operations.
Political Context
This recent order comes after a failed attempt by Senate Republicans to establish a formal sanctions regime against the ICC, which was opposed by Senate Democrats who expressed concerns about its implications for US allies. Moreover, it occurred shortly after the ICC issued an arrest warrant for President Vladimir Putin, reflecting a broader narrative of tensions between the ICC and certain state actors.
As the international community watches closely, these developments highlight the ongoing conflicts surrounding accountability for war crimes, particularly in sensitive geopolitical dynamics.