The United States is weighing drastic sanctions announced this week at the International Criminal Court (ICC), Reuters reported Monday, escalating retaliation against probes for Israeli war crimes and US abuse in Afghanistan.
Washington already approved prosecutors and judges, including prosecutor Karim Khan in February, and is now questioning the court’s “jurisdiction” over us and Israeli officials.
The Hague-based court, which grants jurisdiction over Palestine membership and crimes on its territory, has indicted Israeli Benjamin Netanyahu and Yove Gallant.
Faced with potential operational paralysis from banks to basic software, the ICC is paying staff, seeking alternative providers, and member states are preparing a pushback at the UN General Assembly.
If imposed, sanctions indicate that Washington has little respect for international law and prioritizes Israel’s immunity for justice. Such a move will also undermine the accountability of Palestinian victims and have a calm effect on investigating future war crimes around the world.