US Urges NATO Allies to Withdraw from International Criminal Court

The United States is leading an unprecedented campaign to pressure NATO allies into withdrawing from the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. Washington is urging European nations to leave the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the court, citing its actions against American military personnel and Israeli officials. The U.S. ambassador to NATO, Matthew Whitaker, called on 32 NATO ambassadors in Brussels in mid-July to join the effort, warning that U.S. support would be contingent on their cooperation. The U.S. mission also distributed a document demanding an immediate withdrawal from the Rome Statute, urging allies to condemn the court's "overreach" and cease financial support.

France and the Netherlands have publicly defended the ICC, stating they have no intention of joining the U.S. call for withdrawal. Paris reaffirmed its "unwavering support," while the Netherlands declared its "full support" for the institution. The U.S. campaign also involves bilateral negotiations with European governments. This confrontation has intensified following the ICC's actions against Israel and the U.S., according to Channel 14.

Earlier, Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the U.S. would develop measures to undermine the court's functionality, including sanctions and visa restrictions. The United States itself is not a party to the Rome Statute. Last week, the President of the Assembly of States Parties to the ICC and her predecessors issued a statement opposing attempts to isolate the court.