In November 2024 the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
On 9 October 2026 the United States administration decided to impose sanctions on the International Criminal Court. The same day, as noted in the chronology, the sanctions were imposed, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to a former ICC judge, and German Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig voiced her criticism. The timing placed the punitive measure alongside a celebration of the court’s work.
US hits ICC with new sanctions as former judge wins Nobel Peace Prize https://t.co/y9b1SfzwBY
The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded on 2026-10-09 to a former ICC judge. The award coincided with the US sanctions decision, creating what Hubig described as a "bitter irony" that a day honoring a peace advocate also saw measures taken against the institution the judge once served.
The chronology also records that on 2026-10-09 the United States imposed sanctions on ICC judges and prosecutors.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the sanctions on the ICC on 2026-10-09. In his announcement Rubio quoted President Donald Trump, saying, "President (Donald) Trump, will never allow the International Criminal Court to try Americans. That is why today, the United States is sanctioning the International Criminal Court." This statement frames the sanctions as a protective measure for American nationals.
Canada, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Denmark and the Netherlands condemned US sanctions against the ICC, warning that they threaten its independence and the pursuit of justice. The UN, EU and human rights groups also denounced the US move. https://t.co/Lm05e8Iw0X
The chronology also records that on 2026-10-09 the United States imposed sanctions on ICC judges and prosecutors. Additionally, the brief recalls that previous US sanctions had been levied against ICC judges and prosecutors in August, indicating a pattern of restrictive actions targeting the court’s personnel.
The European Union highlighted that there is a six‑month period before the sanctions take full effect. This window, mentioned both in the EU statement and in the claims section, is viewed by the EU as an opportunity for dialogue to address concerns while preserving the court’s ability to function.
The European Union expressed "deep regret" regarding the US decision to sanction the ICC. In a written statement the European Commission emphasized its continuous support for the ICC and its commitment to work with the 125 states that are parties to the Rome Statute to safeguard the court’s independence. The EU said it stands ready to take necessary measures to allow the ICC to continue investigating war crimes and crimes against humanity, while also protecting the interests of businesses operating within the EU single market.
Stefanie Hubig, Germany’s Minister of Justice, described the US move as a "dark day" for the idea of a world order based on international law and rules. She accused Washington of escalating tensions and pointed out the bitter irony that the sanctions were imposed on the same day a Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to a former ICC judge. Hubig affirmed that the ICC remains a peace project, insisting that peace is achieved through justice, which requires punishing even the most serious injustices. She also noted the historical role of the United States in developing international criminal law after World War II and criticized the current administration for reversing that legacy, while reaffirming Germany’s continued support for the ICC and the importance of international criminal law.
The sanctions have not yet taken full effect, leaving a six‑month period for possible negotiation. The EU, Germany and other supporters of the court continue to defend its mandate, arguing that justice is essential for lasting peace.