ICC Moved Annual Meeting From New York to The Hague
The assembly relocated its upcoming session after U.S. sanctions and visa restrictions hindered participation.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in International Relations
Live Poll
Should the U.S. use economic sanctions to influence the operations of international judicial bodies?
The International Criminal Court has moved its annual Assembly of States Parties meeting from New York to The Hague. The change follows complications caused by U.S. sanctions and visa restrictions affecting officials and delegations.
Why it matters
The relocation ensures that court officials and international representatives can participate in the assembly without the threat of U.S. asset freezes or travel bans. This shift highlights growing tensions between the court and the United States government regarding legal authority.
The Assembly bureau approved the move for the 25th session of the Assembly of States Parties, which is scheduled to run from Nov. 30 to Dec. 7, 2026. This administrative change was finalized following consultations with all States Parties.
The players
Donald Trump
He is the current President of the United States who signed the executive order imposing sanctions on the court.
Karim Khan
He is the prosecutor for the International Criminal Court who was targeted by U.S. sanctions.
Benjamin Netanyahu
He is an Israeli official who was the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the court in 2024.
Yoav Gallant
He is an Israeli official who was the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the court in 2024.
The details
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Feb. 6, 2025, that imposed sanctions on prosecutor Karim Khan and various court judges. These measures include freezing assets under U.S. jurisdiction and restricting entry into the United States, following the court's November 2024 issuance of arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant.
Timeline
November 2024: The court issued arrest warrants for Israeli officials.
February 6, 2025: President Trump signed an executive order imposing sanctions.
September 28, 2026: The Assembly bureau approved the move to The Hague.
November 30, 2026: The Assembly of States Parties 25th session begins.
December 7, 2026: The Assembly of States Parties 25th session concludes.
Political Context
Critics of the court argue that its mandate oversteps sovereign boundaries, necessitating strict legislative pushback to protect national officials from extraterritorial prosecution. Conversely, international legal advocates maintain that such sanctions undermine the independence of global judicial institutions.
The relocation ensures that international proceedings continue uninterrupted despite the current diplomatic friction between the U.S. and the court. For participants and international delegates, this means the conference will now take place in the Netherlands rather than in New York.
The takeaway
The diplomatic standoff reflects a broader trend of institutional friction between national sovereignty and international legal entities. This move highlights how geopolitical tensions can physically redirect the centers of global judicial activity.
Further reading
Explore deeper analysis of global legal conflicts in the International Relations section.
Live Poll
Should the U.S. use economic sanctions to influence the operations of international judicial bodies?
