The world of international law is currently witnessing a high-stakes standoff. The United States recently intensified its pressure on the International Criminal Court (ICC) by imposing sanctions on two judges: Gocha Lordkipanidze of Georgia and Erdenebalsuren Damdin of Mongolia. This controversial move comes after these judges voted to uphold arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant, following an ongoing war crimes probe in Gaza.
The ICC, based in The Hague, didn’t hold back in its response. In a strong statement, the top criminal court labeled the US sanctions a “flagrant attack” against the institution, warning that such actions “undermine the rule of law.” The ICC stressed its commitment to carrying out its mandate with “independence and impartiality,” reminding the world that when judicial actors are threatened for applying the law, the entire international legal order is at risk.
Meanwhile, Israel has loudly praised Washington’s decision. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu both thanked the US for its “moral clear stance” and “decisive leadership” in confronting what they called “lawfare.”
This isn’t an isolated incident. The Trump administration has a history of targeting the ICC, with previous broad sanctions against court staff and specific judges involved in investigations concerning US personnel in Afghanistan. The recent sanctions extend this pattern, further escalating tensions between the US and the international judicial body. This ongoing conflict highlights a significant disagreement over sovereignty, international accountability, and the reach of global justice.
