JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has welcomed the removal of Karim Khan as Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), describing the decision as vindication of Israel’s long-standing criticism of the court and its leadership.
In a statement, Netanyahu argued that Khan’s removal exposed what he described as “the truth” behind the prosecutor’s conduct. He alleged that Khan’s pursuit of arrest warrants against him and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant was intended to divert attention from sexual misconduct allegations that had emerged against the prosecutor. Khan has consistently denied the allegations and has challenged the process that led to his dismissal.
Netanyahu further claimed that the episode revealed what he called “profound injustice and corruption” within both the Office of the Prosecutor and the ICC.
The Israeli leader also disclosed that he had spoken with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, saying Rubio reaffirmed Washington’s determination to continue opposing the ICC. According to Netanyahu, the United States views the court as an institution that undermines democratic and sovereign nations by subjecting them to decisions made by unelected officials in The Hague. The U.S., which is not a party to the Rome Statute establishing the ICC, has repeatedly criticized the court’s actions involving American and Israeli officials.
The ICC’s Assembly of States Parties voted to remove Karim Khan after a disciplinary process related to allegations of sexual misconduct. The decision passed with 82 of the court’s 125 member states voting in favor of his dismissal. Khan has denied wrongdoing and has indicated he will challenge the decision through legal channels. Existing ICC arrest warrants, including those concerning Israeli officials, remain in effect despite his removal.
