President Trump Sanctions ICC Over ‘Illegitimate and Baseless’ Charges Against Israeli PM Netanyahu

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order sanctioning the International Criminal Court, accusing it of “illegitimate and baseless actions targeting America and our close ally Israel”.

Trump’s executive action against the ICC imposes financial sanctions and travel bans on its officials in response to the court’s arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, issued in May 2024 over alleged war crimes during the Israel-Hamas war.

The ICC, based in The Hague, investigates and prosecutes individuals accused of war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity.

In November 2024, the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu concerning actions in Gaza, which Israel has denied. The court also issued a warrant for a Hamas commander.

‘The U.S. will impose tangible & significant consequences on those responsible for the ICC’s transgressions,’ Trump’s order states. 

The ICC warrant for Netanyahu’s arrest was initiated by ICC official Karim Khan, a British national. If Netanyahu were to visit countries like France or the U.K., he could face arrest. Khan also issued warrants for senior Hamas leaders, who have since been killed.

Netanyahu was in Washington, D.C., when Trump signed the executive order. He has spent the week meeting with Trump and other top U.S. officials, becoming the first foreign leader to visit the newly inaugurated president.

In addition to sanctioning the ICC, Trump also signed an executive order establishing a task force within the Department of Justice to address “anti-Christian bias.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi will chair the task force, which will include Cabinet members and other high-ranking officials selected for the role.

The task force will review executive branch actions under Joe Biden’s administration to identify any policies or practices deemed anti-Christian or unlawful.

It will also work with faith-based organizations to develop strategies for protecting religious freedoms and will submit its first report to the president in 120 days.