Trump Escalates Clash with ICC: US Sanctions Judges Investigating Netanyahu and Afghan War Crimes, France Reacts

The United States has deepened its dispute with the International Criminal Court (ICC) by placing sanctions on several judges and officials. The move targets French judge Nicolas Guillou, who is overseeing a case against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as Canadian judge Kimberly Prost for her role in a probe into alleged war crimes in Afghanistan. Two deputy prosecutors, Nazhat Shameem Khan from Fiji and Mame Mandiaye Niang from Senegal, were also sanctioned. Announcing the decision, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the action was necessary, but France strongly criticised it, calling the move a violation of judicial independence. The ICC too condemned the sanctions, describing them as an attack on the court’s impartiality.

Netanyahu Welcomes US Action

Although critics voiced concern over the sanctions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the step. He praised Rubio, calling it a “strong response against a false campaign targeting Israel and its military.” The ICC has accused Netanyahu of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity during Israel’s operations in Gaza. Warrants were also issued against former defence minister Yoav Gallant and Hamas commander Mohammed Deif, who was later confirmed killed by Israel. Judge Nicolas Guillou, who now faces a travel ban and asset freeze in the US, has long experience in international courts. He earlier handled cases related to Kosovo and Lebanon and also worked in the United States with the Justice Department during the Obama administration. Rubio had already imposed sanctions on four other ICC judges earlier in June.

More Judges and Prosecutors Targeted

The US State Department said the two deputy prosecutors were sanctioned for supporting what it called “unlawful actions” by the ICC against Israel, including their role in backing arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant. Judge Prost of Canada, also hit with sanctions, had earlier approved an ICC investigation into crimes during the Afghanistan war, including alleged abuses by American forces.

US Policy on ICC

The move reflects a continuation of policies first seen under the Trump administration, which had rejected the ICC’s authority and placed sanctions on its officials. Those restrictions were later lifted by President Biden, who permitted limited cooperation with the court, especially in cases related to Ukraine. The latest sanctions come shortly after US President Donald Trump held a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, despite the ICC’s arrest warrant against Putin over the war in Ukraine.