Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Image: Independent Newspapers
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday thanked US President Donald Trump for imposing sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The US president signed an executive order on Thursday imposing sanctions on the ICC over its prosecution of the US and its allies, including Israel. Under the order, the US will impose "tangible and significant consequences on those responsible for the ICC's transgressions".
The consequences include the blocking of property and assets, as well as the suspension of entry into the US of ICC officials, employees, and agents, as well as their immediate family members.
"Thank you, President Trump, for your bold ICC Executive Order. It will defend America and Israel from the anti-American and antisemitic corrupt court that has no jurisdiction or basis to engage in lawfare against us," the Israeli prime minister said on X.
The ICC has waged a "ruthless campaign against Israel as a trial run for action against America", and thus Trump's order protects the sovereignty of both countries, Netanyahu added.
On November 21, 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, citing allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Netanyahu's office hit back at the court, accusing it of trying to isolate Israel and supporting terrorism against the Jewish state.
Sputnik