Donald Trump has issued an executive order imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) over its investigations of Israel and arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. 

The Details: The ICC had issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes, which Israel has denied. The sanctions led to a majority of the ICC’s member states backing the court, calling it a “a vital pillar of the international justice system.” However, the U.S. and Israel do not recognize the court’s authority. The sanctions may block access to property, assets, and entering the U.S. 

For Context: The ICC is the only global court with powers to charge someone with genocide and war crimes. Trump had previously imposed sanctions on the ICC over investigations into U.S. conduct in Afghanistan, which were later overturned by Biden. Numerous civil rights organizations have claimed Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. 

How The Media Covered It: AP News (Left bias) largely focused on the criticisms against the sanctions from civil rights organizations, including a quote from the director of Human Rights Watch. Fox News (Right) reported the sanctions “will prevent a slippery slope of U.S. military and government officials facing prosecution from a nebulous judicial bureaucracy in the Netherlands, argue critics of the global criminal body.” BBC News (Center) highlighted international reactions to the sanctions from ICC member nations, reporting that 79 countries signed a joint statement against the sanctions. It also noted that the ICC issued an arrest warrant for a Hamas commander as well.