Thu Feb 06 21:21:39 UTC 2025: ## Trump Re-Imposes Sanctions on International Criminal Court

**Washington, D.C. –** In a move that has drawn immediate condemnation from human rights groups, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on February 6, 2025, re-imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC). The sanctions target the court’s investigations into alleged war crimes committed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the military response to the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.

The executive order accuses the ICC of “illegitimate and baseless actions” and of abusing its power by issuing arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The U.S. and Israel, neither of which are members of the ICC, argue the court lacks jurisdiction over them. The sanctions may include asset freezes and travel bans for ICC officials and their families.

The decision comes amidst Netanyahu’s visit to Washington, where he met with President Trump and lawmakers. The order states that the U.S. will impose “tangible and significant consequences” on those deemed responsible for the ICC’s actions.

Human rights organizations have sharply criticized the move, arguing it will hinder justice for victims of human rights abuses globally and potentially chill investigations into atrocities worldwide. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Human Rights Watch expressed concerns that the sanctions violate free speech principles and undermine U.S. interests in other conflict zones where the ICC is investigating.

This is not the first time the U.S. has targeted the ICC. In 2020, under the Trump administration, sanctions were imposed on a previous ICC prosecutor. While these sanctions were later lifted under President Biden, the latest action marks a significant escalation in the long-standing tension between the U.S. and the international court.

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