Dutch government weighs response to potential U.S. sanctions on ICC

The Dutch government is evaluating measures to protect the International Criminal Court (ICC) from potential U.S. sanctions following statements by President-elect Donald Trump. Trump has signaled plans to penalize the court, headquartered in The Hague, for its prosecution of Israeli leaders over the Gaza conflict.

"We will deliberate on this matter in the coming period," said Prime Minister Dick Schoof after the weekly Cabinet meeting. "The ICC is an important institution. It is crucial that the institution continues to function."

The United States has expressed strong opposition to the ICC's decision to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Trump, who is set to take office on January 20, is expected to take immediate action against the ICC, with support from a majority in the House of Representatives and likely the Senate.

The president of the ICC warned last month that such sanctions could render the court unable to perform its work. During his previous term, Trump imposed restrictions on the ICC, barring its chief prosecutor and staff from entering the U.S. and freezing their access to American financial systems. These measures were later reversed by President Joe Biden.