The United States is contemplating imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court in response to its investigations into alleged Israeli war crimes.
Background and Potential Sanctions
According to Reuters, the US is considering sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC), a move that would be a significant escalation in tensions between the two. The ICC has been investigating alleged Israeli war crimes, which has drawn ire from the US and Israel.
The potential sanctions could impact the ICC’s daily operations, including payroll, access to bank accounts, and office software functionality.
US Diplomatic Stance
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that the ICC is “politicized” and has asserted that it falsely claims to have unlimited authority to conduct investigations, issue charges, and prosecute US citizens and those of its allies, including Israel.
ICC Investigations and Actions
In November, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes committed in Gaza and the West Bank.
The ICC has stated that it has “reasonable grounds” to believe that Netanyahu and Gallant bear criminal responsibility for the alleged crimes as co-perpetrators.
Reaction to US Sanctions
The ICC has defended its independence and impartiality, stating that it operates in full compliance with the Rome Statute.
The Assembly of States Parties to the ICC has expressed concern that US sanctions could undermine global efforts to hold perpetrators of serious crimes accountable.
