News - World: The United States is contemplating sweeping sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC) as early as this week, a move that could severely disrupt the court's operations in response to its investigations into Israeli war crimes in Gaza.

Previously, the US had targeted sanctions against select prosecutors and judges at the court; however, including the ICC itself in these sanctions would represent a significant escalation in US diplomatic strategy, the Reuters news agency reported on Monday.  

Multiple sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that a decision regarding these "entity sanctions" is expected imminently.

In anticipation of potential sanctions, ICC officials have convened emergency meetings to evaluate the possible repercussions, while discussions have been held among diplomats representing ICC member states.

A US official confirmed that entity-wide sanctions are being considered but did not provide details about the timing.

A spokesperson from the State Department accused the ICC of asserting jurisdiction over US and Israeli personnel and hinted at forthcoming measures while refraining from specifying the nature of those actions.

"The ICC has the opportunity to change course by making critical and appropriate structural changes. The US will take additional steps to protect our brave service members and others as long as the ICC continues to present a threat to our national interests," the spokesperson stated.

If sanctions are implemented against the ICC as a whole, the court's fundamental operations could be at risk, affecting salaries, access to banking, and essential office software.

In light of this potential threat, ICC staff reportedly received advanced salaries covering the remainder of 2025. This precautionary measure is not unprecedented, as the court has previously paid wages upfront in anticipation of sanctions.

Additionally, the ICC is exploring alternative banking and software service providers to mitigate any operational disruptions.

Headquartered in The Hague, the ICC has indicted high-profile Israeli officials, including prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli minister of military affairs, Yoav Gallant, for crimes committed during the Gaza genocide.

The US has previously imposed sanctions on court officials for their roles in these cases, as well as a separate investigation into crimes in Afghanistan linked to US military actions.

As the US considers escalating its actions against the ICC, some of the court's 125 member countries are expected to voice opposition during the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York. However, sources indicated that Washington remains poised to intensify its sanctions approach.

"The road of individual sanctions has been exhausted. It is now more about when, rather than if, they will take the next step," noted a senior diplomat familiar with the situation.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has previously labeled the ICC "a national security threat that has been an instrument for lawfare" against the US and its ally Israel.

Established in 2002, the ICC operates under a treaty that grants it jurisdiction to prosecute genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes.

Notably, neither Israel nor the US is a member of the court, which recognizes the state of Palestine as a member and asserts jurisdiction over actions in Palestinian territories.

Earlier this year, the White House imposed sanctions on the ICC's lead prosecutor, Karim Khan, who sought arrest warrants against Israeli officials.

Source: Press TV