Trump administration sanctions four ICC judges over Israel allegations
The Trump administration has taken a bold stance against the International Criminal Court (ICC) by imposing sanctions on four judges over allegations against Israel. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced sanctions against Solomy Balungi Bossa of Uganda, Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza of Peru, Reine Adelaide Sophie Alapini Gansou of Benin, and Beti Hohler of Slovenia. These judges were accused of engaging in efforts to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute nationals of the United States or Israel without their consent.
The sanctions are a response to an executive order signed by Trump on Feb. 6, punishing the ICC for issuing an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The ICC accused them of war crimes and crimes against humanity amid Israel’s conflict with Hamas.
Rubio criticized the ICC for its actions, stating that the court’s actions were illegitimate and baseless. He emphasized that the ICC’s assertion of unfettered discretion to investigate, charge, and prosecute nationals of the United States and its allies, including Israel, infringes upon their sovereignty and national security.
The United States will take whatever actions necessary to protect its sovereignty, that of Israel, and other U.S. allies from the ICC’s illegitimate actions. Rubio highlighted the sacrifices made by member states of the court, pushing back against the court’s attack on the U.S. and Israel.
Despite the arrest warrants issued by the ICC, Israel is not a member of the court, and the ICC lacks police powers to enforce warrants. The court relies on cooperation from its member states for enforcement.
The Trump administration’s sanctions against the ICC judges reflect a strong stance against what they perceive as unjust actions by the court. The move underscores the administration’s commitment to protecting the sovereignty and national security of the United States and its allies.
