Trump Administration Prepares Sanctions on ICC After Netanyahu Warrant

The Trump administration is preparing entity-wide sanctions that would prohibit most transactions with the International Criminal Court after a six- to seven-month grace period. The measures could be finalized as soon as this week, during or shortly after the UN General Assembly. Communications-related services would be exempt. US persons would need an OFAC license to provide funds, goods or services to the ICC. In July, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a campaign to isolate the ICC and called on countries to withdraw, saying it would dismantle the court 'brick by brick' if necessary. A State Department spokesman declined to preview the decision but pointed to Rubio's sovereignty argument. Treasury declined to comment; the ICC did not respond. The US has already sanctioned Karim Khan, Tomoko Akane, several judges, two deputy prosecutors and Abdoulaye Seye. A February 2025 executive order declared a national emergency over ICC proceedings. It follows 2024 arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Neither US nor Israel is a member. Khan was removed on 24 July over misconduct findings; he denied wrongdoing. European governments and Japan have pledged to protect the ICC. The EU has considered activating its Blocking Statute. No core factual disputes appear in the coverage.