Trump sanctions ICC over Netanyahu arrest warrant

U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order sanctioning the International Criminal Court (ICC) for issuing an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for war crimes in Gaza, CE Report quotes Kosova Press.

In his order, Trump accused the international court of engaging in "illegal and baseless actions targeting America and our close ally Israel," according to AA.

He argued that the ICC's actions against Israel and the U.S. set a dangerous precedent, putting American personnel at risk of harassment, abuse, and arrest.

"This malicious behavior, in turn, threatens to undermine the sovereignty of the United States and weakens national security and the critical foreign policy efforts of the U.S. government and our allies, including Israel," he stated.

Under the order, the U.S. will be able to impose significant penalties on ICC officials, including asset freezes and entry bans for them and their families, citing national interests.

In January, following Trump’s inauguration, the House of Representatives passed a bill to sanction the ICC, but the Senate did not advance the measure on January 28.

Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant face arrest warrants issued by the Hague-based court in November last year for war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip.

Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice over its war in the enclave.

Trump added that the ICC has no jurisdiction over the U.S. or Israel, as neither country is a party to the Rome Statute or a member of the ICC.

"No country has ever recognized ICC jurisdiction, and both nations are thriving democracies with militaries that strictly adhere to the laws of war," he wrote.