Trump’s ICC sanctions order imposes financial and visa restrictions on those assisting the International Criminal Court in prosecuting US or Israeli officials. President Donald Trump signed the executive order while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Washington.
The White House accused the ICC of unfairly equating Israel with Hamas after it issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and a Hamas commander over Gaza war crimes. The US and Israel, both non-members of ICC, have rejected the court’s jurisdiction.
Trump’s ICC sanctions order blocks financial assets and restricts travel for individuals aiding ICC investigations against American citizens or allies like Israel. The White House called the ICC’s actions a national security and sovereignty threat.
The administration also condemned the ICC for allegedly limiting Israel’s right to self-defense while ignoring threats from Iran and anti-Israel groups. Trump previously sanctioned ICC officials during his first term for investigating US military actions in Afghanistan. President Joe Biden later lifted those sanctions.
During a joint press conference with Netanyahu, Trump announced a plan to transfer control of Gaza to the US after the conflict. His proposal included resettling Palestinians and transforming Gaza into a “Riviera of the Middle East.” Arab leaders and the UN condemned the plan.
The White House clarified that any displacement of Gazans would be temporary. Secretary State Marco Rubio would leave for an “interim” period during reconstruction. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered preparations for the voluntary departure of Gaza’s population by land, sea, and air.
