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2d ago

U.S. Sanctions Two ICC Appeals Judges Over Ruling That Kept Gaza Probe Alive

The designations, tied to a December 15 vote on Israel’s failed appeal, escalate a U.S. pressure campaign critics say imperils judicial independence.

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‘Strongly rejecting’ the sanctions, the ICC said that the US action “undermine the rule of law”.
A sign with the name and logo is seen outside the International Criminal Court in The Hague, on March 11, 2025.
Exterior view of the International Criminal Court (ICC) where Ali Muhammad Ali Abd al-Rahman, a Sudanese national will hear the court’s verdict, in The Hague, Netherlands, Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. Peter Dejong/Pool via REUTERS

Overview

  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio named Gocha Lordkipanidze of Georgia and Erdenebalsuren Damdin of Mongolia, citing their votes to reject Israel’s bid to halt the ICC’s Gaza investigation.
  • The measures carry travel bans and potential asset freezes in U.S. jurisdictions, extending earlier rounds that targeted ICC judges, prosecutors and affiliated groups.
  • The International Criminal Court called the step a flagrant attack on an impartial judicial institution, while the Assembly of States Parties warned the move undermines the Rome Statute system.
  • Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, publicly praised Washington’s action.
  • U.S. officials maintain the court lacks authority over nonmembers such as the United States and Israel, as the ICC’s Gaza probe and 2024 arrest warrants for Israeli leaders continue to stand.