US Sanctions ICC Judges After Israel War Crimes Probe Advances

The United States has imposed sanctions on two judges from the International Criminal Court (ICC). This action comes directly after the court rejected Israel's attempt to stop an investigation. Last week, the ICC's Appeals Chamber dismissed Israel's appeal. The court is moving forward with a war crimes probe related to the Gaza conflict. This investigation could lead to arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The U.S. sanctions target the two judges who were part of that appeals decision. The U.S. government has long opposed the ICC's jurisdiction in this matter, calling the investigation "unfair." These sanctions freeze any U.S. assets the judges may have and block them from transactions with Americans. The move highlights the strong U.S. support for Israel and its deepening dispute with the international court.