Trump says ICC campaign was meant to shield Netanyahu, not himself

Chicago – July 31, 2026

U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington’s campaign against the International Criminal Court is intended to protect Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other allies, not himself. He made the remarks as the White House intensified pressure on the court over arrest warrants linked to the Gaza war.reuters+1

What Trump said?

Trump said there is “no information” that the ICC is targeting him and added that Secretary of State Marco Rubio is “trying to defend Bibi and various other people,” using Netanyahu’s nickname. Reuters reported that Trump’s comments came during a visit to Camp David, where he framed the ICC push as a defense of allies rather than a personal move.internazionale

Wider context

The ICC issued arrest warrants in November 2024 for Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza, according to Reuters and other outlets. Since then, the Trump administration has expanded its opposition to the court, including sanctions and renewed pressure on countries cooperating with it.jurist+2

Significance

Trump’s comments underline how closely U.S. policy on the ICC is tied to support for Israel and opposition to international prosecutions of Israeli officials. The dispute also highlights a growing clash between Washington and the ICC over jurisdiction, sovereignty, and accountability in the Gaza conflict.