The International Criminal Court (ICC) has voiced strong disapproval of recent US sanctions aimed at its judges and prosecutors, referring to them as a "flagrant attack" on judicial independence. On a notable Wednesday, the US State Department imposed sanctions on four ICC officials for pursuing legal actions related to US and Israeli citizens. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the ICC, describing it as an "instrument of lawfare" against both the US and Israel, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu endorsed the sanctions, calling them a reinforcement against accusations of misconduct in Gaza.

France has joined the ICC's criticism, particularly as one of its judges, Nicolas Guillou, was included among those sanctioned. The US aims to restrict the officials' access to their properties and interests within the country. This development follows earlier sanctions against ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan and others, raising serious concerns among human rights observers who urge the US to reconsider its stance. The clash highlights ongoing tensions between national interests and international judicial processes regarding war crimes and crimes against humanity.