The International Criminal Court (ICC) has long been a source of controversy in political circles, especially among the major powers which fear that their leaders or armed forces will be indicted on war crimes charges. To the Israeli occupation state, the court represents a potential threat due to its investigations into violations committed in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. As for the US, its relationship with the ICC has always been complicated, as it did not adopt the Rome Statute that established the court. Sometimes it supports the ICC — as it did with the arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin — while at other times it attacks it if the cases affect its own interests or those of its allies, especially Israel.

A controversial recent development has seen Israel and the US threaten human rights organisations, especially with regard to possible action at the ICC. These threats also include sanctions against the court and its staff, as well as withdrawing from human rights institutions.

Such moves raise many questions about the impact on international justice, fundamental human rights principles and global power relations, especially after US President Donald Trump announced a series of measures and sanctions on the ICC because of its arrest warrants issued for Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defence minister Yoav Gallant on war crimes charges. These sanctions include financial and visa restrictions, and even the prosecution of court officials.

The US........

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