Why the U.S. and Israel Are Sanctioning the ICC: Addressing Unfair Actions Against Allies

Today, the U.S. has placed sanctions on four judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC). This action highlights our concerns about the ICC’s misuse of its power and the threats it poses. The sanctions are based on Executive Order 14203, which sanctions foreign individuals involved in ICC activities that violate international norms.

The Judges Sanctioned

Here are the judges affected by these sanctions:

• Solomy Balungi Bossa – Judge, Appeals Division
• Luz del Carmen Ibanez Carranza – Judge, Appeals Division
• Reine Adelaide Sophie Alapini Gansou – Judge, Pre-Trial and Trial Division
• Beti Hohler – Judge, Pre-Trial and Trial Division

Bossa and Ibanez Carranza were involved in the ICC’s investigation into U.S. actions in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, Alapini Gansou and Hohler approved arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Implications of the Sanctions

With these sanctions, all property and interests of these judges in the U.S. are now blocked. U.S. citizens and businesses cannot engage in transactions involving these individuals without specific licenses from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). This means no support or services of any kind can be sent to them.

Public Reactions

The move has sparked debate online, especially on platforms like Twitter, where opinions are divided. Some defend the sanctions as necessary for national security, while others see them as an attack on international law.

The Bigger Picture

Historically, U.S. relations with the ICC have been rocky. Since its inception, the ICC has faced criticism for perceived bias and overreach. In recent years, countries like the U.S. have raised concerns about the ICC targeting their personnel without consent.

In 2021, a Stanford study highlighted that nearly 70% of Americans believe international courts overstep their authority.

As the world shifts, the role of the ICC remains a hot topic. What does this mean for global justice? Only time will tell, but the conversation is far from over.

For a deeper understanding of international relations and the complexities surrounding the ICC, you might find insights from sources like the Council on Foreign Relations useful.

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