The United States has expanded its sanctions against officials of the International Criminal Court (ICC) over its investigation into Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, drawing criticism from France and the court itself.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced sanctions on Judge Nicolas Guillou of France, who is presiding over the ICC case that issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu. Canadian judge Kimberly Prost, linked to a separate Afghanistan war crimes case, was also targeted, along with deputy prosecutors Nazhat Shameem Khan of Fiji and Mame Mandiaye Niang of Senegal.

The sanctions bar entry into the US and freeze any assets held in American jurisdiction. The move mirrors actions previously taken during Donald Trump’s presidency, when Washington rejected the ICC’s authority and sanctioned its officials.

France sharply criticized the decision, saying it was “dismayed” by measures that undermine judicial independence. A French foreign ministry spokesman noted the sanctions contradict “the principle of an independent judiciary.” The ICC also condemned the move, calling it a “flagrant attack against an impartial judicial institution.”

Netanyahu welcomed the US decision, thanking Rubio for taking a “decisive stand against a campaign of lies” targeting Israel’s leadership and military. The ICC has accused Netanyahu of war crimes and crimes against humanity over Israel’s military operations in Gaza. Arrest warrants have also been issued for former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Hamas commander Mohammed Deif, recently killed by Israel.

The Biden administration had previously eased sanctions against the ICC and allowed limited cooperation, especially in cases related to Ukraine. However, the latest measures underline Washington’s consistent rejection of ICC jurisdiction over Israel, the US, and other non-member states.