JERUSALEM: Netanyahu’s ICC sanctions comments praised US action against two senior court officials, as the Israeli prime minister accused the International Criminal Court of overreach.
Benjamin Netanyahu posted his remarks on X after the US Treasury Department announced sanctions on August 18.
According to media reports, Washington targeted ICC President Tomoko Akane and senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye.
Netanyahu called the ICC a “kangaroo court.” He also praised US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for opposing what Netanyahu described as the court’s illegitimate actions.
Meanwhile, Rubio said the ICC was creating a “dangerous precedent.” He objected to its attempts to exercise authority over nationals of countries that have not ratified the Rome Statute.
Read: Biden Slams ICC’s Arrest Warrants for Netanyahu as “Outrageous”
The ICC rejected the US measures. It described the sanctions as a threat to the international legal order.
The dispute follows the ICC’s 2024 arrest warrant for Netanyahu. The court accused him of alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to the Gaza conflict.
Read: Trump Rules Out Netanyahu Arrest During Any US Visit
Israel has rejected the court’s case against Netanyahu. The United States is also not a party to the Rome Statute.
