Nobel Winner Navi Pillay Blasts US Sanctions on ICC and Responds to Israeli Outcry

Navi Pillay, the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize laureate and South African jurist, sharply criticized US President Donald Trump on Wednesday over new sanctions imposed by his administration on the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. In an interview with AFP, the 85-year-old Pillay argued that the sanctions are illegal and that their timing—announced hours after news of her Nobel win—was not coincidental, claiming it was retaliation for the prestigious prize not being awarded to the US president.

When asked what message she would convey to Trump, Pillay responded, "Consult your legal advisers so they can explain to you what international law is, and why it is forbidden to interfere in the affairs of an independent international court." She stated that imposing sanctions on the court is an unlawful step aimed at undermining its independence and ability to fulfill its mandate.

Last Friday, hours after the announcement of Pillay's Nobel Peace Prize, the US announced unprecedented sanctions against the ICC. Unlike previous measures targeting individual judges and prosecutors, this step targets the institution as a whole to disrupt its routine operations. The sanctions are expected to impact the court's technological infrastructure, banking services, and ability to conduct international transactions. The US administration granted a six-month transition period for service-providing companies to wind down operations with the court.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio made it clear that the administration intends to dismantle the court "brick by brick," citing opposition to its jurisdiction over citizens and leaders of non-member states. Washington is particularly incensed by the ICC's decision to issue an arrest warrant for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over suspected war crimes and crimes against humanity during the war in the Gaza Strip. Both Israel and the US reject the court's jurisdiction over Israel, which is not a member.

Pillay accused Washington of hypocrisy, highlighting the differing responses of US administrations to ICC decisions. She noted that previous administrations welcomed the arrest warrant issued against Russian President Vladimir Putin over suspected war crimes in Ukraine, but when the court acts against an Israeli leader, the US seeks to paralyze its operations. "This is selectivity, double standards, and it is unacceptable," she said.

Response to Israel's Condemnation

In the interview, Pillay also addressed sharp reactions in Israel to her victory. The South African jurist previously headed the UN independent commission of inquiry into the situation in Israel and the Palestinian territories, which concluded last year that Israel is committing genocide in the Gaza Strip. Israel strongly rejected the commission's findings, calling the investigation biased and politically motivated.

Following the announcement, Prime Minister Netanyahu attacked Pillay, calling her "prejudiced." The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued an exceptionally harsh condemnation, claiming the award legitimizes hatred and prejudice against Israel. The ministry stated that if a prize were awarded for "lies, hatred, and blood libels," Pillay would be a leading candidate, adding that her role in the "unending political demonization of Israel and the spread of the genocide lie" reflects her positions. The statement concluded with an unusual remark: "Now that the Nobel Committee has awarded a prize to the biggest lie of the 21st century, Joseph Goebbels is surely applauding from hell."

"I find these remarks deeply offensive and insulting," Pillay told AFP, addressing the comparison to Nazi propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels. "Goebbels' hands were stained with blood. He was responsible for the deaths of thousands of people—not just Jews, but people with skin color like mine."

Despite her criticism of Netanyahu, Pillay acknowledged that in the current political climate, there is little willingness to act toward his arrest so he can stand trial at the ICC. However, she expressed confidence that it will eventually happen. "Throughout my life, I have seen people overcome obstacles, so I am convinced this will happen in the end," she said.

Reflections on a Lifetime of Activism

Pillay, born in South Africa during apartheid and who previously served as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and an ICC judge, admitted she still struggles to absorb her prestigious win. She initially doubted the news, noting the relatively small number of women who have won the prize over the years. "They award their prizes to very few women—a blatant inequality that has existed until today," she said.

At 85, Pillay is also aware that her capacity to travel globally and fight for international law is somewhat limited compared to the past. "I think my age will slow me down a bit. I can no longer be as active as I used to be," she conceded, recalling that during her tenure as UN High Commissioner, she visited 79 countries.

Nevertheless, she has begun exploring how to utilize the prize money of 12 million Swedish kronor, equivalent to about 1.1 million euros. She is consulting various parties on how the funds can be used to advance social causes, hinting that a portion may be invested in her homeland, South Africa. "Africa is suffering. South Africa is suffering. It is very hard to raise funds there," she said, noting that the University of KwaZulu-Natal has established a unit bearing her name and that she intends to discuss potential support with its leadership. "I believe in the education of children and young people," she concluded.

Pillay won the Nobel Peace Prize for her long-standing work advancing human rights and international law. The Norwegian Nobel Committee highlighted her contributions to combating war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, as well as her role in strengthening the international justice system during a period of mounting political pressures.