US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court accusing it of illegitimate and baseless actions targeting America and its close ally Israel. The measure places financial and visa restrictions on individuals and their families who assist in ICC investigations of American citizens or allies. The order Trump signed, said, the ICC has no jurisdiction over the United States or Israel, adding that the court had set a dangerous precedence with its actions against both countries. Trump’s action came as Netanyahu was visiting Washington. Neither the U.S. nor Israel is a member of or recognizes the court.

The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in November last year over alleged war crimes in Gaza. The ICC also issued a warrant for a Hamas commander. Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed during the Israeli military’s response after the Hamas attack in October 2023.