'Israel' moves to disqualify ICC prosecutor Karim Khan

The International Criminal Court confirmed on Wednesday that it has received a formal petition from 'Israel' seeking the removal of ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan from all matters related to the country, along with the annulment of arrest warrants issued for senior 'Israeli' leaders over the war on Gaza.

The request comes two days after 'Israel' sharply criticized Khan for pursuing charges against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant, accusing the prosecutor of attempting to “divert public attention” from misconduct allegations lodged against him. Khan, who is currently on leave, is under internal investigation for alleged sexual misconduct, claims he has rejected.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein announced the move on X, writing, "The State of Israel submitted today (Monday) to the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) a request to disqualify the Court's Prosecutor, Mr. Karim Khan, from involvement in proceedings concerning Israel."

He further accused Khan of acting out of "improper personal motives to advance false and unfounded allegations against Israel", including promoting what he called "baseless and outrageous warrants."

According to Marmorstein, "These actions were intended to divert public attention from severe accusations against him of serial sexual harassment of a subordinate employee."

A brief notice posted on the ICC’s website confirmed it had received a “Request to Disqualify the Prosecutor and for Ancillary Remedies,” though the court offered no details regarding next steps.

Multiple media outlets have reported that a woman working in Khan’s office accused him of inappropriate behaviour.

Khan last year sought arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant, and three senior Hamas figures. Despite 'Israel’s' objections, the warrants for the two 'Israeli' officials were approved and remain in effect.

Alongside the disqualification bid, 'Israel' is also challenging the court’s jurisdiction, a process still under consideration.