President Donald Trump signed an executive order sanctioning the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Thursday in response to a warrant for arrest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in May 2024.
The order reveals financial sanctions and visa restrictions on ICC officials and their families that support the ICC investigation of US citizens and allies.
The White House also signed an executive order on Thursday to set up a task force dedicated to weeding “anti-Christian bias” with the Department of Justice, as well as a review of all non-governmental organizations that accept federal funds. I instructed it.
The ICC is an independent international organization based in The Hague and was established under the law of Rome, an international treaty that came into effect in 2002. The court oversees global issues such as genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.
The Trump White House argues that the United States and Israel are not subject to ICC jurisdiction, as courts pose a threat to US sovereignty and constitutional protections. Furthermore, the White House denounced the ICC for politicization, saying it targeted Israel without keeping a regime like Iran to the same standard.
In September 2018, Trump said, “As far as America is concerned, the ICC has no jurisdiction, no legitimacy or authority.”
In May 2024, ICC prosecutor Karim Khan, from the UK, sought a warrant for arrest for Netanyahu and his former Minister of Defence, Joab Garant. 124 countries are Roman law parties, including the UK, France and Austria.
Khan also issued arrest warrants to Hamas leaders Yahya Singwar, Ismail Hanie and Mohamed Deif after being killed by Israeli forces.
Kahn has reportedly been involved in murder, hostages as war crimes, torture and other inhumane acts following the attacks by Palestinian extremist groups on Israel on October 7, 2023. He said they issued these warrants to Hamas leaders, including the act.
Khan also said he has issued a warrant against Israeli leaders for war crimes dictating attacks on civilian hunger, civilians, persecution and other inhumane conduct.
House of Representatives passes bill sanctioning the International Criminal Court for attempting to arrest Netanyahu
ICC prosecutor Karim Khan sought a warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in May 2024. (Getty Images)
In January, after Trump took office, the House also passed laws sanctioning the ICC, but the measure failed to advance in the Senate.
Trump welcomed Netanyahu to visit the White House on Tuesday, where he signed an executive order to revive his “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran. Trump also announced plans to rebuild Gaza, describing Netanyahu as the “right leader” of Israel.
“He's done a great job and we've been friends for a long time,” Trump told reporters. “We do a great job too. I think there's actually a very invincible combination.”
Netanyahu also expressed his gratitude for his friendship with Trump and his support for Israel and the Jews.
“I said this before, I say it again,” Netanyahu said Tuesday. “You are the great friend Israel has ever had in the White House. That's why the people of Israel have such great respect for you.”
Trump previously issued sanctions against ICC officials in 2020, signing a freeze on assets and a ban on family entry caused by the ICC investigation into US actions in Afghanistan.
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Fox News' Morgan Phillips contributed to this report.
