The sanctions would be an attempt to force the International Criminal Court (ICC) to independently withdraw arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly planning to implement punishing sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague soon after taking office. According to Israel Hayom, the sanctions could come as executive orders as early as January 21, the day after he is inaugurated.
The sanctions would be an attempt to force the ICC to independently withdraw arrest warrants it issued for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The incoming Trump administration reportedly considers the ICC's arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant a threat to US national security because they attempt to prevent America and its allies from using military defenses against global threats. Additionally, Trump administration officials and Republican lawmakers believe the ICC could issue warrants against US officials next.
The outlet reported that the sanctions will target the ICC itself, as well as individual ICC personnel, including judges and prosecutors. The Trump administration plans to classify the ICC as an organization threatening US interests. The move is similar to how the US State Department targets terror organizations and will level restrictions on anyone involved with the court's operations.
Following the sanctions, financial institutions around the world will be required to cease relationships with ICC personnel or face US sanctions themselves. ICC staff will be unable to use credit cards or perform routine banking operations, effectively preventing them from completing any financial activity, with the exception of purchasing essential needs such as food, just as they had planned against Israeli officials and civilians. The sanctions will also freeze all US-based assets belonging to ICC employees and the institution.
Additionally, the Trump administration reportedly plans to obtain commitments from US allies to reject cooperation with ICC arrest warrants targeting Israeli officials. Senator Tom Cotton (R-AK) previously called the ICC a “kangaroo court” and prosecutor Karim Khan a “deranged zealot.”
Cotton added, “Woe to him and anyone who tries to enforce these lawless warrants. Let me give everyone a friendly reminder: The US law on ICC is known as the 'Hague Invasion Act,' and there's a reason for that. Think about it."
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