Trump Imposes Sanctions on ICC Judges Over Netanyahu Arrest Warrant

The Trump administration has imposed sanctions on four International Criminal Court (ICC) judges after the tribunal issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and previously investigated alleged U.S. war crimes in Afghanistan. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced sanctions against Judges Solomy Balungi Bossa (Uganda), Luz del Carmen Ibanez Carranza (Peru), Reine Adelaide Sophie Alapini Gansou (Benin), and Beti Hohler (Slovenia), accusing them of targeting the U.S. and Israel through what he called "illegitimate and baseless actions."

The ICC condemned the sanctions, calling them a threat to judicial independence and justice for victims of war crimes. Judges Bossa and Ibanez Carranza supported a 2020 decision allowing investigation into alleged war crimes by U.S. forces in Afghanistan, although the court later shifted focus to Taliban and Afghan government actions.

Judges Alapini Gansou and Hohler authorized arrest warrants in November 2024 for Netanyahu, former Israeli defense chief Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leader Ibrahim Al-Masri over alleged war crimes during the Gaza conflict. The sanctions follow a January U.S. House vote condemning the ICC’s warrant against Netanyahu, reflecting strong Republican support for Israel.

Sanctions block financial transactions with the judges through U.S.-linked banks and dollar systems. However, the Treasury Department issued general licenses permitting a wind-down of existing transactions until July 8, provided funds are transferred to a blocked U.S.-based interest-bearing account.

The move adds pressure on the ICC, which is already facing scrutiny after Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan stepped aside amid a U.N. investigation into alleged misconduct. The U.S. is not an ICC member, along with China, Russia, and Israel. The court continues investigations into war crimes in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and other regions.