Key facts
- The U.S. State Department welcomed Venezuela's withdrawal from the International Criminal Court.
- The U.S. described the ICC as 'corrupt and worthless' and urged other members to leave.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the removal of ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan.
- Netanyahu accused Khan of political bias and alleged misconduct claims against him.
- Venezuela formally notified the UN of its withdrawal from the ICC.
- ICC member states voted to remove chief prosecutor Karim Khan over misconduct claims.
The United States has welcomed Venezuela's decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), with the U.S. State Department labeling the tribunal "corrupt and worthless" and urging other member states to leave. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also welcomed the removal of ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan, accusing him of political bias and misconduct. Venezuela formally notified the United Nations of its "irrevocable" decision to quit the court, citing alleged "geographical bias" against countries in the global south. The move signals a greater alignment by Venezuela with U.S. policies, as Washington has vowed to "systematically disable" the tribunal. ICC member states voted to remove Khan over misconduct claims, a decision Netanyahu stated "exposes the truth" about the court's alleged corruption and injustice. The U.S. has previously sought to undermine the ICC, levelling sanctions against prosecutors investigating U.S. and Israeli militaries.