The Dutch Prime Minister, Rob Jetten, today pledged to defend the International Criminal Court (ICC) “brick-to-brick” in a little veiled criticism of the United States, which used the same expression to threaten to dismantle the institution.
© Lusa
09/10/2026
by
Lusa
O dutch prime minister, Rob Jetten, today committed to defending the International Criminal Court (ICC) “brick-to-brick” in an unsuspecting criticism of the United States, which used the same expression to threaten to dismantle the institution.
The Trump government launched a strong attack on the court based in The Hague, where Jetten resides: sanctioned several senior ICC officials and considered imposing sanctions on the institution as a whole.
The United States is furious at the court issuing a warrant for the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, an ally near Washington, for alleged war crimes committed in the Gaza Strip.
The U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, promised to dismantle “brick-to-brick brick” the ICC, which judges the perpetrators of the most serious crimes in the world.
American President Donald Trump called on the 125 member countries of the court to withdraw from the institution, which he accused of being “out of control”.
At his weekly press conference, Jetten stated that the Netherlands feel responsible for the proper functioning of the ICC and that “they will protect it brick by brick whenever necessary”.
The head of the Dutch Government indicated that his country is working behind the scenes, diplomatically, to make Washington understand that severe sanctions on the court would harm transatlantic relations.
It also clarified that several countries are working on the proposal for reforms for the ICC, which judges individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.
“ And the message to the Americans is also as follows: take part in this dialogue and avoid a further escalation of the conflict,” said Rob Jetten.
As a country in which the ICC is situated, the Netherlands has a special responsibility in relation to the court, as a result of a “seat agreement” signed in 2008.
In a speech of an unusual virulence given last month to the UN General Assembly, the Dutch Prime Minister promised to defend the international judicial body, stressing its location: “In my country, in my city”.
“ How is it possible that someone opposes the worst crimes being tried? I think there can be only one answer: ‘You don’t touch the ICC’”, sustained Jetten, receiving strong applause.