The United States has imposed sanctions on International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan following his decision to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes in Gaza. The move has sparked international condemnation, with critics arguing that Washington’s actions undermine the rule of law and the independence of international justice institutions.

Through an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on February 6, Khan was added to the US Treasury Department’s “Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons” list. This designation results in the freezing of his US assets and imposes a travel ban on him and his family, preventing them from entering the country. Additionally, American citizens and businesses are now barred from conducting financial transactions with Khan.

The executive order argues that the ICC’s decision to investigate Israeli leaders “sets a dangerous precedent” by subjecting Americans and their allies to “harassment, abuse, and possible arrest.” Washington maintains that the ICC lacks jurisdiction over Israel since the country is not a member of the court.

The United States has historically refused to recognize the ICC’s authority. While the Biden administration lifted previous sanctions imposed by Trump on Khan’s predecessor, Fatou Bensouda, over investigations into US military actions in Afghanistan, this latest development highlights Washington’s selective approach to international justice.

The US government has supported ICC actions when they align with its interests but opposed them when they challenge American allies. In 2023, Washington praised Karim Khan for issuing........

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