Background on Key Figures
The United States has taken a firm stance against the International Criminal Court (ICC), imposing sanctions on four judges and prosecutors from the ICC. Among those sanctioned are French judge Nicolas Guillou and Canadian prosecutor Kimberly Prost, both of whom have been involved in cases concerning Israel and the United States.
Nicolas Guillou, a seasoned jurist with experience in the U.S. Department of Justice during Barack Obama’s presidency, is currently presiding over a case involving an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The case was initiated by the State of Palestine, which is not recognized by Washington but has adhered to the ICC’s founding statute.
Kimberly Prost, a Canadian prosecutor, participated in a case authorizing an investigation into alleged war crimes committed during the Afghanistan conflict, which could affect U.S. forces.
Reasons for Sanctions
According to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the ICC poses a “national security threat” and has been used as a “legal warfare instrument” against the U.S. and its close ally, Israel.
Rubio claims that the sanctioned judges and prosecutors attempted to investigate or prosecute U.S. or Israeli citizens “without the consent of either nation.”
The ICC, in its statement, condemned the “blatant attack on the independence of an impartial judicial institution.”
Impact on International Relations
France, whose president Emmanuel Macron visited Washington days before the sanctions, expressed “concern” over the measures. The French Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that the sanctions are “contrary to the principle of judicial independence.”
The U.S. will prohibit the entry of ICC judges into its territory and seize any property they own there, actions typically reserved for adversaries rather than close allies.
Netanyahu celebrated the sanctions, stating that they are “a decisive action against the defamatory and lying campaign” targeting Israel. Rubio also sanctioned two deputy prosecutors, Nazhat Shameem Khan from Fiji and Mame Mandiaye Niang from Senegal, for supporting “illegitimate ICC actions” against Israel, including arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
ICC’s Allegations Against Netanyahu
The ICC’s prosecution alleges that Netanyahu is responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity during the Israeli offensive in Gaza, including intentional attacks on civilians and using starvation as a war tactic.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is being sanctioned? Four judges and prosecutors from the International Criminal Court, including Nicolas Guillou from France and Kimberly Prost from Canada.
- Why are they being sanctioned? The U.S. claims these individuals have attempted to investigate or prosecute U.S. or Israeli citizens without consent from either nation.
- Which cases are involved? Cases concerning Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and alleged war crimes during the Gaza offensive, as well as a case authorizing an investigation into alleged war crimes in Afghanistan.
- How are allies reacting? France has expressed “concern” over the sanctions, stating they are contrary to judicial independence.
- What are the ICC’s allegations against Netanyahu? The ICC accuses Netanyahu of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including intentional attacks on civilians and using starvation as a war tactic during the Gaza offensive.
