U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed sanctions on Karim Khan, Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, following the court’s issuance of arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant. According to an AP report, the sanctions include freezing Khan’s bank accounts, blocking his access to email, and threatening ICC employees with arrest if they are American citizens entering the United States.
Severe Consequences for the Court’s Operations
Since February 2025, following Trump’s move against Khan, the ICC has faced significant operational challenges.
The order issued by Trump not only targets Khan and ICC staff but also threatens fines and imprisonment for anyone providing him with financial, material, or technological support. As a result, several NGOs and partner companies have halted cooperation with the court, fearing potential retaliation from the U.S. government.
Khan is also facing allegations of sexual harassment and attempted coercion by a female employee—accusations he firmly denies. These claims have led to a UN investigation and have damaged his internal standing within the ICC.
Trump’s Support for Israel
The sanctions were imposed after the ICC issued arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant, alleging possible involvement in war crimes in Gaza, including obstructing humanitarian aid and intentionally harming civilians.
Trump defended the decision, arguing that the ICC is acting “illegitimately” and poses a threat to American military personnel and U.S. allies. The White House has not released an official statement on the matter.
Global Crisis of Confidence
Following the sanctions, several countries that were previously strong supporters of the ICC have refrained from enforcing the arrest warrants it issued.
Tensions in the International Legal System
Human rights organizations and international legal experts have warned that the move could undermine the international rule of law and deter legal bodies from taking action in future cases.
