Karim Khan, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), has sparked global controversy by seeking an unprecedented arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This marks the first time the ICC has targeted the leader of a close Western ally, provoking outrage from President Joe Biden. The arrest warrant comes amid claims that Mossad, Israel’s intelligence agency, has waged a secret nine-year “war” against the ICC, allegedly intercepting communications from Khan and other officials. Israeli officials have denied these allegations.
Khan, who has faced significant scrutiny since taking his role three years ago, acknowledged the threats and attacks he and his family have received, further intensifying the tensions surrounding his actions. Born to a British mother and Pakistani father, Khan’s rise through international law has been marked by his defense of controversial figures like Charles Taylor and William Ruto. Despite being backed by the UK for his ICC position, his decision to pursue Netanyahu has ignited a firestorm.
The ICC’s judges must still approve the warrants for Netanyahu and Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant. If approved, any of the 124 nations that are party to the ICC treaty, including the UK, would be obligated to arrest Netanyahu should he enter their territory. The U.S., however, is not a signatory to the ICC, and Israel has fiercely opposed the court’s jurisdiction.
