The United States has announced new sanctions against two additional judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing them of participating in investigations and judicial actions against Israel without its consent. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio made the announcement on Thursday, stating that the ICC continues to engage in politically motivated activities targeting Israel, which he described as a dangerous precedent.

The move follows the ICC’s issuance of arrest warrants last November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes in Gaza. Washington, a longstanding ally of Israel, has repeatedly criticized the ICC’s actions and warned of consequences. Critics, however, argue that the sanctions could undermine global accountability efforts and intimidate prosecutors, judges, and witnesses involved in international justice.

Observers note that the decision may further strain relations between the US and international legal institutions, raising concerns about selective justice and the politicization of war crimes investigations.