The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant against Benjamin Netanyahu last year. On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing sanctions on the ICC. The order states that baseless investigations have been conducted against the United States and Israel.
The order further states that by issuing an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, the ICC has abused its power. Trump met with Netanyahu on Tuesday.
In October 2023, Hamas attacked Israel. In response, Israel launched an offensive in Gaza. The United States, Germany, Israel, and several other countries have declared Hamas a terrorist organization. Following this, the ICC issued an arrest warrant against Netanyahu.
Trump’s order states that what the ICC has done sets a dangerous precedent. As a result of these sanctions, ICC officials will not be allowed to enter the United States.
The order also states that Israel is a very close ally of Washington, and an arrest warrant has been issued against its prime minister based on baseless accusations.
Neither the United States nor Israel is a member of the ICC.