US May Sanction ICC as Tensions Rise
US Weighs Expanding Sanctions Against ICC, Raising Diplomatic Tensions
WASHINGTON/NEW YORK – The United States is considering unprecedented sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) as a whole, a move that would mark a sharp escalation in Washington’s standoff with the tribunal.
According to six people familiar with the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue, a decision on “entity-wide sanctions” could come soon.
One source said ICC officials have already held emergency internal meetings to assess the impact of possible blanket sanctions. Diplomatic discussions among representatives of ICC member states have also taken place, according to two other sources.
A U.S. official confirmed that such sanctions are under review but declined to give details on timing. Meanwhile, a State Department spokesperson accused the court of overstepping its authority by asserting jurisdiction over U.S. and Israeli personnel.
“The ICC has the opportunity to change course by making critical and appropriate structural changes,” the spokesperson said. “The U.S. will take additional steps to protect our service members and others as long as the ICC continues to threaten our national interests.”
ICC Moves to Shield Operations
If enacted, sanctions on the ICC itself could disrupt its daily functions, including access to bank accounts, payment systems, and even routine office software.
In anticipation, ICC staff reportedly received salaries in advance for the rest of 2025, three sources said. The court is also seeking alternative banking and software providers as contingency measures.
The Hague-based tribunal has issued arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and senior Hamas leaders over alleged war crimes in Gaza. Washington has previously sanctioned ICC officials for investigating cases tied to U.S. forces in Afghanistan and Israeli actions in Palestine.
Pushback at the UN
Diplomatic sources say some of the ICC’s 125 member states plan to challenge potential U.S. sanctions during the United Nations General Assembly in New York this week.
Still, officials in The Hague and New York believe Washington is preparing to intensify its pressure campaign.
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