Donald Trump may impose sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) over its arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The Hague-based court has drawn global criticism after issuing the warrant, which also names former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.
Mike Waltz, Trump’s incoming national security adviser, declared the ICC lacks “credibility” and promised a firm response to what he described as the court’s “anti-Semitic bias.”
Karim Khan, the ICC’s chief prosecutor, might be directly targeted by Trump’s sanctions.
Germany and Hungary, both ICC member states, have refused to act on the warrant. German officials cite their country’s historical relationship with Israel as the reason, while Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán invited Netanyahu for a state visit instead.
The UK, however, has taken a more cautious approach. While affirming respect for the court, British ministers have declined to specify whether Netanyahu would be arrested if he visited.
On Friday, Israel’s ambassador to the UK, Tzipi Hotovely, slammed the ICC’s decision as a “farce.”
Hotovely accused the court of aligning itself with Hamas, which she called “a terrorist organisation responsible for the October 7 massacre.”
She stated, “The ICC has hit a new low. It has become a tool to target democratic leaders who defend their people.”
The ICC opened its investigation into Israel’s military actions in Gaza under allegations of war crimes. Charges against Netanyahu and Gallant include using “starvation as a method of warfare” and committing “murder, persecution, and inhumane acts.”
Republicans in the United States have called for strong measures against the ICC. Lindsey Graham, a U.S. senator, proposed sanctions against any nation that complies with the arrest warrants.
He declared, “Countries aiding this injustice should prepare for resistance from the United States.”
Critics of the court, including Michael McCaul, chairman of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, labeled the ICC’s actions a “witch hunt” against Israel.
The tension has cast doubt over Britain’s position. Yvette Cooper, the UK Home Secretary, avoided giving a direct answer when asked if Netanyahu would face arrest in Britain.
She commented, “These matters involve legal processes. It would be inappropriate for me to comment in advance.”
Downing Street later clarified that the UK would follow international and domestic law, which could include enforcing the ICC’s orders.
Meanwhile, the potential U.S. sanctions could disrupt Karim Khan’s ability to operate within Britain. Sanctions might target his financial assets and restrict access to banking facilities.
This wouldn’t be the first time Trump has taken such a stance. During his presidency, he sanctioned ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda over investigations into alleged U.S. war crimes in Afghanistan.
Although Joe Biden lifted those sanctions, Trump’s administration appears ready to resume the hardline approach against the ICC.
Observers say this move could strain relations between the UK and a Trump-led U.S. government, especially if Britain upholds its ICC obligations.
The controversy has revealed divisions within Europe. While countries like Ireland, Italy, and the Netherlands promise to arrest Netanyahu if he visits, France stopped short of confirming its stance.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell confirmed that ICC member states, including Germany and Hungary, are bound by international law to enforce the warrants.
Trump’s critics argue that his administration’s response to the ICC reflects a broader policy of isolating international institutions.
Republican Senator Jim Risch expressed frustration with the ICC, stating, “While I supported their efforts against Putin’s war crimes in Ukraine, I cannot back an organisation that disregards its mandate so blatantly.”
Despite the backlash, the ICC remains firm. Its investigation, led by Khan, continues to provoke strong reactions worldwide, putting the future of its global authority under intense scrutiny. For now, Netanyahu’s travels could face significant limitations as the international drama unfolds
