ICC Prosecutor Reportedly Prepared Arrest Warrants for Israeli Ministers Before Leave

International Criminal Court Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan was preparing to request arrest warrants for Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir due to their roles in expanding Jewish settlements in the West Bank before he went on leave amid a sexual misconduct investigation. The decision to continue with the warrants now lies with Khan’s deputies, but it remains uncertain if the ICC will proceed given the political risks and the absence of a chief prosecutor. The ICC’s investigation has drawn criticism from Israel and concerns of escalating tensions with the United States, which has previously opposed ICC actions against Israeli officials. Both ministers have rejected the potential warrants, with Ben Gvir asserting his commitment to protecting Israeli interests regardless of legal threats. The ICC has kept further details of any new warrants classified and has not publicly commented on the matter. Khan’s suspension follows allegations of sexual misconduct under UN investigation, complicating the ICC’s ongoing cases involving Israeli officials.