Israel has taken a bold step by filing an appeal with the International Criminal Court to remove Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan from cases involving its leaders. The move, made on November 17, 2025, also seeks to cancel arrest warrants against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, amid claims that Khan pushed false charges to shift focus from his own sexual misconduct probe.
This action comes as Khan faces an ongoing investigation into serious allegations from two former staff members. It highlights growing tensions between Israel and the ICC over accusations of war crimes in Gaza.
Background on the ICC Arrest Warrants
The ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant in May 2025, based on Khan’s request. These warrants accuse them of crimes against humanity and war crimes during the Gaza conflict that started in October 2023.
The conflict has led to widespread international scrutiny. Reports indicate over 40,000 deaths in Gaza, with both sides facing claims of violations. Israel maintains its actions were defensive against Hamas attacks.
Khan’s office argued that Israeli leaders used starvation as a method of warfare and targeted civilians. Israel has long disputed the ICC’s jurisdiction, calling the probes biased.
Recent events show the warrants have strained diplomatic ties. Several countries, including the United States, have criticized the ICC’s decisions as unfair.
Details of Allegations Against Karim Khan
Khan is under investigation for sexual misconduct claims from two women who worked at the ICC. The first complaint surfaced in October 2024, describing repeated unwanted advances.
A second woman came forward in August 2025 with similar accusations. Investigators are also looking into possible retaliation by Khan against staff who raised concerns.
Khan denies all wrongdoing and stepped aside from duties in May 2025 pending the probe. This scandal has raised questions about his leadership at the ICC.
The timing of the warrants, issued shortly after the initial allegations, has fueled suspicions. Some reports suggest Khan accelerated the Israel cases to distract from his personal issues.
Public reactions vary, with some calling for his full removal to restore trust in the court.
Israel’s Key Arguments in the Appeal
Israel’s Foreign Ministry stated the appeal aims to disqualify Khan due to “illegitimate personal motives.” They claim he advanced baseless claims against Israel to divert attention from his scandals.
The appeal argues that the legal processes are now tainted. It requests the ICC appeals chamber to bar Khan and revoke the warrants.
Here are the main points from Israel’s filing:
- Claims of political bias in Khan’s decisions.
- Links between the warrant timing and misconduct probes.
- Calls for a fair review to ensure justice.
Israel points to new information showing Khan may have rushed the cases. This includes reports of internal ICC tensions over his handling of complaints.
Logical reasoning supports Israel’s stance: If personal issues influenced professional actions, it undermines the court’s credibility. Past ICC cases, like those in Africa, have faced similar bias accusations.
Potential Impacts on Global Justice
This appeal could reshape how the ICC handles high-profile cases. If successful, it might lead to stricter rules on prosecutor conduct.
For Israel, revoking the warrants would ease travel restrictions for Netanyahu and Gallant. They risk arrest in ICC member states, affecting diplomacy.
The Gaza war continues, with recent cease-fire talks in Doha stalling as of November 2025. Over 1.9 million people remain displaced, per UN estimates.
A table below outlines key timelines in this saga:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 2023 | Gaza conflict begins after Hamas attacks. |
| May 2024 | Khan requests warrants for Israeli leaders. |
| October 2024 | First sexual misconduct allegation against Khan emerges. |
| May 2025 | ICC issues warrants; Khan steps aside. |
| August 2025 | Second woman accuses Khan. |
| November 2025 | Israel files appeal to remove Khan and cancel warrants. |
This timeline shows the overlap between personal allegations and professional actions.
Broader Context and Reactions
The case ties into larger debates on international law. Critics argue the ICC often targets certain nations unfairly, while supporters see it as essential for accountability.
Recent events include UN reports on Gaza humanitarian crises, with aid shortages worsening. Israel has increased aid deliveries but faces ongoing criticism.
Public sentiment, especially in the Middle East, remains divided. Protests in Europe and the US have called for action against war crimes.
Experts note that similar scandals have hit other global bodies, like the UN, eroding public trust. Resolving this quickly is key to maintaining the ICC’s role.
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