Wed Jul 16 11:07:13 UTC 2025: ## ICC Prosecutor Threatened Over Netanyahu Arrest Warrant, Report Claims

**The Hague** – International Criminal Court (ICC) Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan was reportedly warned that the ICC would be “destroyed” if he did not withdraw arrest warrants issued for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, according to a report by Middle East Eye (MEE).

The alleged threat was delivered in May by Nicholas Kaufman, a British-Israeli defence lawyer with ties to a Netanyahu advisor, MEE reports. Kaufman, also representing Rodrigo Duterte, former president of the Philippines, allegedly told Khan that he was “authorised” by Netanyahu’s legal advisor to propose a way for Khan to “climb down the tree” regarding the warrants.

The proposal, according to a note of the meeting seen by MEE, involved Khan applying to reclassify the warrants and underlying information as “confidential.” This would allow Israel to privately access and challenge the allegations without public scrutiny. Kaufman further warned that pursuing arrest warrants for far-right ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich would mean “all options would be off the table,” and that Khan and the court would face destruction.

The ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant, and Hamas leader Mohammed Deif (confirmed dead) in November, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the October 7th attacks and Israel’s subsequent actions in Gaza.

The report raises serious questions about potential interference in the ICC’s proceedings and the pressure being exerted on the court. The news comes as UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese criticized countries for allowing Netanyahu to fly over their airspace, potentially violating their obligations to arrest him as an internationally wanted suspect.

While Kaufman admitted to advising Khan to find a way out of his “errors,” he denied being authorized to make proposals on behalf of the Israeli government. Khan and his wife, who also attended the meeting, reportedly confirmed that the message was perceived as a threat. Netanyahu’s office has not responded to requests for comment.

Notably, the meeting occurred while Khan was facing sexual misconduct allegations, which he vehemently denies. Two weeks after the meeting, Khan stepped down on indefinite leave after new allegations surfaced. The timing raises questions about potential links between the threats and the allegations. The ICC has not yet commented on the MEE report.

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