Key facts
- The ICC has taken no steps to withdraw arrest warrants for Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
- Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan stated the case against Israeli officials is still proceeding.
- Arrest warrants were issued in November 2024 for Netanyahu and then-defense minister Yoav Gallant.
- The US has imposed sanctions on ICC leadership, including deputy prosecutors and judges.
- Israel is challenging the ICC warrants, including questioning the court's jurisdiction.
- The ICC prosecutor's office has pursued further cases against senior Israeli officials.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has not initiated any actions to withdraw arrest warrants or related applications concerning Israeli officials, according to Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan. Khan stated in a weekend interview with CNN that the case is ongoing and the court continues its investigations.
The ICC issued arrest warrants in November 2024 for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his then-defense minister, Yoav Gallant, alleging war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Gaza since October 2023. In response, the United States has imposed sanctions on many of the court's leadership, including two deputy prosecutors and nine judges.
Israel has also sought to challenge the warrants, with appeals underway questioning the court's jurisdiction over Israeli nationals. Middle East Eye has reported that the prosecutor's office has pursued additional cases against senior Israeli officials, including a confidential application for Finance Minister Bezalal Smotrich and consideration of applications targeting National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir.
Khan emphasized that the court's work is grounded in the Rome Statute and continues despite external pressures. She noted that the ICC has ongoing trials scheduled for November and next year, with recent convictions in two major trials. She acknowledged the considerable pressure faced by the court and its staff but affirmed their dedication to their work.
Sanctions imposed on Khan and other officials have led to consequences such as potential loss of banking access and restrictions on financial transactions. The Trump administration is reportedly preparing broader sanctions against the ICC as an institution. Despite these challenges, Khan expressed hope for the future of international law, highlighting the court's role in providing justice for victims.