U.S. Administration Imposes Sanctions on Four ICC Judges in Response to Allegations Against Israel and the U.S.
Introduction of Sanctions
The Trump administration has announced sanctions against four judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, following their involvement in actions deemed “illegitimate” against the United States and Israel. This move comes amid arrest warrants issued for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Galant.
Details of the Sanctions
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the sanctions were implemented under Presidential Executive Order 14203. The judges targeted include Solomy Balungi Bossa from Uganda, Luz del Carmen Ibañez Carranza from Peru, Rain Adelaide Sophie Alapini Ganso from Benin, and Beti Hohler from Slovenia. Rubio stated, “These four women were directly involved in the ICC’s efforts to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute citizens of the United States or Israel-without the consent of either country.”
U.S. and Israel’s Non-Accession to the Rome Statute
Rubio emphasized that neither the United States nor Israel are parties to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC. He criticized the ICC judges for participating in activities that he described as “unfounded” and politically motivated against the U.S. and its ally, Israel.
A Call for Action
In a strong statement, Rubio asserted that the actions of the ICC undermine U.S. sovereignty and national security. He warned, “The U.S. will take any necessary actions to defend its sovereignty, that of Israel, and any other allies against illegitimate actions by the court.” He called on nations that continue to support the ICC-many of which owe their freedoms to sacrifstarts made by America-to oppose what he labeled as a disgraceful attack on the U.S. and Israel.
Conclusion
The sanctions against these ICC judges represent a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between the U.S., Israel, and international judicial entities. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how the ICC and its member states will respond to this new diplomatic challenge