Trump Administration Prepares Unprecedented Sanctions Against International Criminal Court

The Trump administration is reportedly preparing a series of unprecedented sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, according to sources familiar with the matter cited by The Wall Street Journal. Unlike previous measures targeting specific individuals, the current move aims to impose financial and administrative restrictions on the institution as a whole.

The official announcement of these severe measures is expected during the UN General Assembly in New York. This action stems from Washington's demand that the court revoke arrest warrants issued against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in connection with the Gaza conflict. Additionally, the administration expects the ICC to cease its investigation into the actions of U.S. military forces in Afghanistan.

Concurrently, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is leading an international campaign urging various countries to withdraw their membership from the ICC. If implemented, the economic measures, to be imposed by the U.S. Treasury Department, would prohibit U.S. companies and entities from providing funds, goods, or services to the court without special authorization.

Experts suggest these sanctions could lead to the operational paralysis of the ICC, severing its financial systems from the international banking network and creating difficulties in paying salaries, recruiting investigators, and engaging with technology and insurance providers. The administration is reportedly considering a transition period of six to seven months before the restrictions take full effect, allowing organizations and entities involved with the court to adjust their arrangements.

The United States, which has not been a member of the ICC since its establishment in 2002, continues to assert that it will not tolerate the use of judicial authority against its allies.