US to impose sanctions on International Criminal Court
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US Preparing Sanctions Against Entire International Criminal Court.The United States is preparing to impose sanctions on the entire International Criminal Court (ICC) in response to its investigation into alleged Israeli war crimes. Reuters reported the development on Monday (September 22) night.
US Considers Sanctions on Entire International Criminal Court Over Israel War Crimes Probe.
The United States is reportedly preparing to impose sanctions on the entire International Criminal Court (ICC) in retaliation for its investigation into alleged Israeli war crimes, according to a report by Reuters on Monday (September 22).
Sources familiar with the matter say the decision to impose “entity sanctions” on the ICC could be announced soon. The court has already held emergency meetings to assess potential impacts, and discussions are underway in diplomatic circles.
A U.S. official stated that targeting the entire court is being seriously considered, though no specific timeline has been provided. Previously, Washington had already sanctioned several ICC judges and prosecutors. If the sanctions target the institution as a whole, it would mark a significant escalation.
A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department accused the ICC of asserting “unreasonable jurisdiction” over U.S. and Israeli citizens. He warned that if structural changes are not made, Washington will take additional measures to protect its military personnel and national interests.
If implemented, the sanctions could disrupt the ICC’s operations, including staff salaries, banking services, and software usage. To mitigate potential damage, the court has pre-paid employees’ salaries for the remainder of 2025. Similar measures have been taken in the past. The court is also seeking alternative banking services and software providers.
Based in The Hague, Netherlands, the ICC has filed war crimes allegations against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and several Hamas leaders over the Gaza conflict.
Previously, U.S. sanctions were imposed on ICC officials in relation to investigations into U.S. military actions in Afghanistan.
Diplomatic sources say that some of the ICC’s 125 member states are expected to try to block the U.S.’s additional sanctions at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly. Nevertheless, indications suggest Washington may escalate its actions further.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has described the court as a “threat to national security” and a “tool for abusing the law” against the United States and Israel.
