ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan Faces Pressure Over Israel War Crimes Investigation
By Tidbit News Desk
Published: July 16, 2025
Category: International Law / Middle East / Global Politics
Introduction
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has become the center of global attention after serious allegations surfaced against Israeli leaders over possible war crimes in Gaza and the West Bank. At the heart of the ICC’s efforts is its chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, who has faced political pressure, legal threats, and even personal allegations. The situation took a dramatic turn when a British-Israeli lawyer connected to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu allegedly told Khan to drop the investigation—or risk destruction.
This article breaks down the full story in clear, simple language for a global audience.
Background: What Is the ICC Investigating?
The ICC is a court that investigates and prosecutes people accused of serious international crimes like genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. In this case, the ICC began looking into Israeli actions in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories after receiving complaints about military activity, civilian deaths, and the expansion of illegal settlements.
Last year, the court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. These were historic decisions, as they marked one of the first times top Israeli officials faced international legal action.
ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan was sanctioned by the Trump Administration in February and went on leave in May pending a UN investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against him. (AFP)
The Lawyer and the Warning
In May, Nicholas Kaufman, a British-Israeli defense lawyer who works at the ICC, met with Karim Khan. During their conversation, Kaufman reportedly told Khan that continuing the case could destroy him and the court. Kaufman claimed he had spoken to Netanyahu’s legal advisor and was authorized to make a proposal on behalf of Israel. He suggested that Khan ask the court to make the arrest warrants confidential, which would let Israel see and challenge the accusations in private, without public disclosure.
According to a note written after the meeting, both Khan and his wife interpreted this as a clear threat. Kaufman, however, denied that any threat was made. He said he simply offered his opinion and had no official authority to speak for the Israeli government.
A Controversial Proposal
Kaufman suggested that by making the arrest warrants confidential, Israel could defend itself quietly and avoid further embarrassment. This would also allow Israel to respond through legal channels rather than political ones. However, Kaufman warned that if Khan tried to issue more arrest warrants—especially for far-right Israeli ministers like Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich—then the deal would be off, and the consequences would be severe.
Khan did not confirm whether he was planning more arrests, but Kaufman’s message was clear: Stop now, or face full retaliation.
Political Pressure Mounts
This wasn’t the only pressure facing Karim Khan. The United States and United Kingdom also expressed strong opposition to the ICC’s actions. The U.S. government placed sanctions on Khan in February and later sanctioned four ICC judges involved in the Israel case. Britain’s then-Foreign Secretary David Cameron reportedly told Khan that issuing more arrest warrants would be like “dropping a hydrogen bomb.”
Even Canadian, French, and other Western officials privately warned the ICC to reconsider its approach, fearing it could damage diplomatic relationships and make it harder to solve the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Allegations Against Khan
While all this was happening, Karim Khan himself was under investigation for sexual misconduct. A complaint was made in April by one of his staff members. The initial investigation was closed because the woman chose not to cooperate, but new and more serious allegations emerged later, including claims of sexual assault.
Khan denied all accusations. However, the timing of the allegations raised questions. Some observers speculated that the charges may have been used to undermine him just as he prepared to act against Israeli leaders. Others pointed out that such claims must be taken seriously and independently investigated.
In June, a UN investigation was launched, and Khan went on indefinite leave. The case is still open, but he maintains his innocence.
The Israel-Palestine Tension
The broader context of this case is the ongoing and worsening Israel-Palestine conflict. After deadly clashes, bombing campaigns, and growing international concern, more human rights organizations are calling for accountability.
Many Palestinians and their supporters see the ICC’s investigation as a rare moment of hope for justice. They argue that powerful countries and leaders often escape legal consequences, and the court must act independently to maintain credibility.
Meanwhile, Israeli officials argue that the ICC is biased and politicized. They claim the court ignores crimes by Hamas and other groups, focusing unfairly on Israel. Israeli government sources have repeatedly said they will not recognize ICC authority.
Kaufman’s Role and Clarifications
Nicholas Kaufman later told media outlets that he had known Karim Khan for years and met with him only as a friend and fellow lawyer. He said he wanted to share insights about how Israelis felt about the case and suggest a diplomatic way out. He denied being an official representative of Netanyahu or any other government official.
He also criticized the court’s direction, saying it was bringing the ICC into “serious disrepute.” Kaufman insisted that his comments were not a threat but a warning about the dangers of pushing the case too far, especially when the U.S. and other nations had already shown they were willing to act against the court.
What Happens Next?
The situation remains highly uncertain. The ICC investigation is ongoing, but its chief prosecutor is on leave and under investigation himself. The court has not yet announced whether it will issue more arrest warrants, and political pressure continues to grow.
If Khan is cleared and returns to his position, he may push forward with his original plan. If not, a new prosecutor could take a very different approach. The outcome of the UN investigation and the ICC’s internal review will play a big role in shaping the court’s future.
In the meantime, international observers are watching closely. Human rights advocates are urging the ICC to stay strong and uphold justice, while world powers debate whether the court has gone too far.
Conclusion
This story shows just how complicated international justice can be. On one side, there is a desire for accountability and fairness, especially in long-standing conflicts like Israel-Palestine. On the other, powerful countries and political leaders use every tool—legal, diplomatic, and personal—to protect themselves and influence the outcome.
Karim Khan’s case highlights these tensions. Whether he was threatened or just warned, the message is the same: international law is not immune to politics.
The world now waits to see whether the ICC can remain independent—and whether those accused of war crimes will ever face trial.
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