Trump Signs Order To Sanction International Criminal Court Over Israel Investigations

According to a report by the Associated Press, the executive order signed by Trump on Thursday, February 6, accuses the ICC of being involved in“illegal and unfounded actions targeting the United States and its close ally, Israel.” The court is also accused of abusing its power by issuing an“unfounded arrest warrant” against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

The order asserts that the ICC has no jurisdiction over the United States or Israel and claims that the court's actions have created a“dangerous precedent” with regard to both countries.

The executive order stipulates that financial sanctions and visa bans will be imposed on individuals who assist the ICC's investigations into U.S. citizens, as well as their families.

This move by President Trump comes after a proposal in the U.S. Senate to sanction the ICC failed to pass the previous Tuesday. Although 54 senators supported the sanctions, the proposal fell short of the necessary 60 votes, with 45 senators opposing it, preventing it from reaching the required threshold of support in the Senate.

President Trump's executive order reflects ongoing tensions between the U.S. government and the International Criminal Court over its investigations into alleged Israeli war crimes.

The U.S. has consistently opposed ICC involvement in matters concerning its citizens and its allies, citing concerns about the court's jurisdiction and potential bias.

While the sanctions against the ICC could escalate diplomatic tensions, they also highlight the complex relationship between international law and national sovereignty. Critics of the decision argue that it undermines global justice efforts, while supporters contend that it is a necessary step to protect U.S. interests and maintain its sovereignty.

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