US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced sanctions against four female judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in response to the court’s issuance of arrest warrants for high-ranking Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and its ongoing investigation into alleged war crimes committed by US personnel in Afghanistan. This development has sparked significant controversy regarding the ICC’s independence.
The sanctions, which involve blocking and reporting any US property owned by the judges, are justified by Rubio as a response to what he describes as the ICC’s “illegitimate and baseless actions” targeting the United States and its ally, Israel. He accused the ICC of being politicized and claimed that the court’s attempts to investigate US nationals undermine national sovereignty and security.
In an official response, the ICC expressed its disapproval, stating that the sanctions “deplore” efforts to undermine the court’s independence and highlighted that such measures do not assist civilians affected by conflicts. The organization emphasized that their work for accountability continues unabated despite these pressures.
Notably, the four judges, Solomy Balungi Bossa (Uganda), Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza (Peru), Reine Adelaide Sophie Alapini Gansou (Benin), and Beti Hohler (Slovenia), are credited with significant rulings, such as authorizing investigations that implicate US and Israeli actions in ongoing conflicts. Previously, in 2022, arrest warrants were issued for Netanyahu and Israel’s former defense minister Yoav Gallant over their alleged roles in war crimes during the conflict with Hamas. Israel and Hamas have vocally rejected these allegations.
This event follows a pattern of heightened tensions between the United States and the ICC, with similar sanctions being imposed by former President Trump against the court and its chief prosecutor for purported abuse of power. The evolving relationship between the United States and the ICC reflects broader geopolitical dynamics and raises critical questions about international law’s role in state accountability.
While the situation remains contentious, it highlights the importance of global institutions like the ICC in addressing allegations of war crimes. The ongoing dialogue around accountability may ultimately encourage a shift toward greater cooperation and respect for international law, fostering hope for future justice for victims of war and conflict.