Karim Khan Archives - Page 2 of 3

Netanyahu: ‘No Fake Probe, You Can’t Run From The ICC’

CrossFireArabia
September 12, 2024

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Justice Minister Yariv Levin have reportedly made an extraordinary request to Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara to open a fake criminal investigation into state leaders.

According to reports from Israeli Channel 12, the aim of this sham investigation is to block the issuing of arrest warrants by the International Criminal Court (ICC) by invoking the “principle of complementarity.” This principle allows countries to avoid ICC prosecutions if they are deemed to be conducting their own legitimate investigations into crimes.

Netanyahu and his Justice Minister made an extraordinary request to Israel's Attorney General to open a fake criminal investigation into Netanyahu and Gallant to block ICC arrest warrants by invoking the "principle of complementarity."

More details: https://t.co/nSsGP9Wd3r pic.twitter.com/Z9BrtfIjV4
— Quds News Network (@QudsNen) September 12, 2024

The plan outlined by Netanyahu and Levin involves starting an investigation and then quickly closing it, claiming to the ICC that Israel has handled the matter internally. However, Baharav-Miara rejected the request, stating there was “no justification” for launching such an investigation.

The request comes in response to ICC prosecutor Karim Khan’s push to accelerate the issuance of arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant. These warrants are being pursued in light of the ongoing genocide in Gaza and war crimes by Israeli officials. Khan had urged the ICC to fast-track the proceedings in the face of the worsening situation.

The refusal of Baharav-Miara has led to accusations from Netanyahu’s camp, with claims that the Attorney General is “sabotaging efforts.” Despite this, legal experts and government officials argue that political motivations are behind Netanyahu’s request rather than a genuine concern for state justice according to the Quds News Network.

News

ICC Chief Warned Not to Issue Arrest Warrant Against Netanyahu

CrossFireArabia
September 7, 2024

Karim Khan, chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), revealed he faced significant pressure from world leaders not to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In an interview with the BBC, Khan stated “several leaders and others told me, advised me, and cautioned me” against pursuing the warrants, underscoring the political tensions surrounding the court’s actions.

Despite the external pressure, Khan defended the ICC’s decision to seek warrants against Netanyahu, emphasizing that justice must be applied equally to all nations. He noted the importance of demonstrating that the court upholds common legal standards in addressing war crimes according to the Quds News Network.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor has voiced concern over the pressure the court is facing from the U.S. concerning its investigations into Israel's attacks on Gaza.

In an interview with Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun on Monday, Karim Khan revealed that ICC officials… pic.twitter.com/vnEsf9zXEX
— Quds News Network (@QudsNen) September 7, 2024

Khan had previously announced that the ICC was seeking arrest warrants for both Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over war crimes, including the use of starvation as a method of warfare, murder, targeting civilians, and extermination.

The prosecutor also welcomed the UK government’s recent decision to drop its opposition to the arrest warrants. In July, the British government reversed its stance, allowing the ICC to move forward with its pursuit of charges against the Israeli leaders.

Khan acknowledged that the arrest warrants remain confidential and that world leaders were speculating on the evidence presented. However, he stressed that the ICC would remain focused on ensuring that justice is seen to be done, despite the challenges and pressures from the international community.

Meanwhile and in an interview with Japan’s Yomiuri Shimbun last week, Karim Khan revealed that ICC officials were receiving personal “threats” from supporters of both Russia and Israel. Khan cautioned, “If we allow these types of attacks … threats … to dismantle or erode the legal institutions that have been built since the Second World War, does anybody believe it will end with the International Criminal Court?”

News

Legal Expert Casts Doubt on ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan

CrossFireArabia
August 21, 2024

International law expert Anis Al-Qassem confirmed that the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court Karim Khan is one of the reasons and obstacles facing the ICC. The lawyer said this due to Karim’s direct connection with the United States, which originally appointed him.

Dr Al-Qaasem described the Prosecutor as a “mercenary” who carries out the orders of the USA which seeks to obstruct any decision condemning Israel, according to J024.

“As long as Prosecutor Karim Khan is at the head of the International Criminal Court, there is no hope for the court to move to achieve justice.” He noted the judges of the court are immune from any accountability or pressure, and the defect lies with the Public Prosecution as it is the one that decides to open an investigation into the cases referred to the court.

أنيس القاسم: مدعي عام "الجنائية الدولية" ينفذ أوامر أمريكا.. ولا أمل بتحرّك المحكمة

أكدّ خبير القانون الدولي، المحامي أنيس القاسم، أن مدعي عام المحكمة الجنائية الدولية، كريم خان، يعتبر أحد أسباب ومعيقات عمل المحكمة، وذلك نظراً لارتباطه المباشر مع الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية التي… pic.twitter.com/5vUfjCmNk0
— أهل البلاد (@AhlAlblad) August 20, 2024

In addition, Al-Qassem explained the International Court of Justice granted South Africa 10 months to submit its final argument in the genocide lawsuit it filed against the Zionist entity to be submitted next October.

Al-Qassem pointed out that all the massacres and crimes of genocide committed by the occupation in the Gaza Strip can be included in the course of the lawsuit.

Al-Qassem stressed that the judges of the International Court of Justice are completely immune and independent and no party, entity or state can exert pressure on them, noting that the course of international justice requires time to issue decisions and rulings.

International Criminal Court Prosecutor Karim Khan is now a pawn of #US Empire. He went to #Israel to meet victims of Hamas attack but refused to meet victims of Israeli Genocide – Karim Khan cannot be trusted to deliver Justice – Unless he's removed, #ICC will be irrelevant… pic.twitter.com/hrlXG5y4it
— Mick Wallace (@wallacemick) March 3, 2024

News

Netanyahu, Gallant Cry Foul of ICC Arrest Warrants

CrossFireArabia
August 16, 2024

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant continue to feel the heat as arrest warrants by the International Criminal Court (ICC) are on the verge of being issued against them.

Netanyahu and Gallant held consultations, Thursday, with Israeli Attorney-General Gali Baharav Miara to see what can be done before such warrants are issued against them.

The ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan applied for the arrest warrants to be issued against Netanyahu and Gallant back in 21 May, having accused them of “crimes against humanity and war crimes,” in Gaza.

Since May the applications have been under review by an ICC panel of judges who must look at the evidence presented to them by Mr Khan and then sanction the issuance of the arrest warrants.

“Israel has every right and it is an obligation to get hostages back. But you must do so by complying with the law.” My world exclusive conversation with International Criminal Court Chief Prosecutor @KarimKhanQC on ICC arrest warrants for Hamas and Israeli leaders. pic.twitter.com/F52sSfZVWA
— Christiane Amanpour (@amanpour) May 20, 2024

To circumvent this, the Israeli government wants to establish its own a commission of inquiry over its conduct of the war on Gaza. However, the Israeli Attorney-General is not certain whether such a commission would lead to the withdrawal of the arrest warrants.

On May 20, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan announced that the court is seeking arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant on charges of committing war crimes.

Khan said at the time that “there are reasonable grounds to believe that Netanyahu and Gallant bear criminal responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity” committed in Palestinian territories in Gaza starting from at least Oct. 8 according to Anadolu.

If the arrest warrants are issues, which it seems certain they would, Netanyahu and Gallant would not be able to travel to any of the 124 countries which are members of the ICC without being taken into custody and face criminal prosecution.

While Israel doesn’t recognize the ICC that was established in 2002, nevertheless, the Israeli meeting on Thursday, shows that it is duly concerned because of the international ramifications of the arrest warrants and the criminal stain it would have on Israel and its politicians.

Analyses

Will Netanyahu Get to Address Congress?

CrossFireArabia
July 10, 2024

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering avoiding a stopover in Europe on his way to the US over fears that the International Criminal Court (ICC) is readying to issue an arrest warrant against him over the Israeli army’s crimes in Gaza according to Anadolu.

By July 24th an arrest warrant will be out for Netanyahu. He will have to fly over Europe where he can be arrested. If the plane has to land, or is forced to land, he’ll be in trouble & maybe there’ll be a standoff with his bodyguards. Will he risk it? Plus bound to be protests.
— simonjwood (@2CutAShortStory) June 7, 2024

Netanyahu is to travel to the US and deliver a speech before the US Congress on July 24. He is also expected to possibly meet US President Joe Biden.

But there is much speculation about his coming trip with many on the social media woundering how he will get to Washington amidst the logistics involved in flying non-stop.

The Israeli government flirting with European fascists – who hate Jews – is a classic example of my enemies enemy. But Netanyahu needs reminding that 'first they came for the Muslims' would have 'then they came for the Jews.' Maybe he wants Europe's Jews afraid though. Maybe. https://t.co/BA0jrWOqAu
— TonyCross (@Lokster71) July 9, 2024

On 20 May, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan requested arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip. Khan also requested warrants for three of the Hamas group’s top leaders including its chief Ismail Haniyeh.

Everyone is waiting for the arrest warrants to become effective and many think they could be any time soon.

Netanyahu may avoid stopover in Europe on way to US for congress speech after ICC arrest warrant#SahabatPalestina_ID #GazaGenocide #CeasefireNOW #FreePalestine #ForeverPalestine pic.twitter.com/kqh2EIbJDs
— Owner Of Quds (@_Alone_Warrior_) July 10, 2024

Israeli KAN public broadcaster said Netanyahu’s office reviewed the matter of stopping in Europe on his way to Washington as his plane is unable to make a transatlantic flight while carrying a full load of passengers.

Benjamin Netanyahu, is considering avoiding a stopover in Europe on his way to the US over fears that the International Criminal Court (ICC) is readying to issue an arrest warrant against him over the Israeli army’s crimes in Gaza, Anadolu Agency reports.https://t.co/u4PBisOHLy
— Ife (@peacelily1121) July 10, 2024

His office reviewed the option of a stopover in the Czech Republic or Hungary; these two countries are seen as Israeli friends and called ICC arrest requests “unacceptable.”

Deadline 12 July for UK to challenge the arrest warrants at ICC. Lammy going to Israel 15 July. Of course he will be giving a loving kiss to Netanyahu "don't worry babe because Starmer is protecting you 💋💋 always" pic.twitter.com/QHiodAlDAJ
— Clare Siva (@ClareSiva) July 10, 2024

KAN, however, noted Netanyahu in the end decided to go for a direct flight to Washington with a limited number of passengers on board.

Netanyahu decides to take less people on his flight to washington in two weeks, so he won't need a stopover in Europe amid fears of ICC arrest warrant https://t.co/EABbtq9s7y
— Amichai Stein (@AmichaiStein1) July 10, 2024

While the US is not an ICC member, receiving Netanyahu despite an international arrest warrant could expose it to much criticism.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu considered, then decided against, visiting the Czech Republic and Hungary on the way to the U.S. when he travels to address Congress on July 24, the Kan public broadcaster reports, amid fears the ICC was readying an arrest warrant against him.

If… pic.twitter.com/687I6n9MFE
— 📜 (@cozyduke_apt29) July 10, 2024

Israel also is not an ICC member, whereas Palestine was accepted as an affiliate in 2015.

Set up in 2002, the ICC is an independent international body not affiliated with the UN or any other international organization, and its decisions are binding.

Israel, flouting a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire, has faced international condemnation amid its continued brutal offensive on Gaza since an Oct. 7, 2023 attack by Hamas.

Nearly 38,200 Palestinians have since been killed, mostly women and children, and over 87,900 others injured, according to local health authorities the Turkish News agency reported.

Nine months into the Israeli war, vast tracts of Gaza lie in ruins amid a crippling blockade of food, clean water and medicine.

Israel stands accused of genocide at the ICC, whose latest ruling ordered it to immediately halt its military operation in the southern city of Rafah, where over a million Palestinians had sought refuge from the war before it was invaded on May 6 according to the Turkish news agency.