US has sanctioned four ICC judges and prosecutors over investigations involving American and Israeli citizens, citing “judicial overreach” and national security concerns. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the court a “threat” and accused it of politicization, BBC reported.

The sanctioned officials—Judges Kimberly Prost (Canada) and Nicolas Guillou (France), and deputy prosecutors Nazhat Shameem Khan (Fiji) and Mame Mandiaye Niang (Senegal)—are barred from accessing assets in the US.

The ICC condemned the move as an attack on its independence and the international legal system. France criticized the sanctions for undermining judicial independence, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed them.

According to BBC, the decision follows earlier US sanctions on the ICC chief prosecutor and UN human rights experts who have criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza, prompting calls from international officials to respect the rule of law.