Netanyahu, Graham used misconduct claims against ICC prosecutor to delay arrest warrants: Report
The late US Senator Lindsey Graham and Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly discussed using sexual misconduct allegations against International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan in an effort to delay arrest warrants against Netanyahu, according to a report by The New York Times.
Citing recorded conversations it reviewed, The Times reported that the Republican senator, who died earlier this month, and Netanyahu discussed using the allegations against Khan to seek a review of the court's proceedings before judges issued arrest warrants against Netanyahu and former war minister Yoav Gallant.
The recorded calls took place on October 29, 2024, weeks before ICC judges issued the warrants. During one conversation, Netanyahu reportedly told Graham that the claims against Khan had created “a cloud” that could help delay the court’s decision.
Netanyahu suggested that Graham send a letter to ICC officials, possibly with support from other senators, calling for a review of the process. Graham said he would seek bipartisan backing for the effort, according to the report.
A letter was later sent to the ICC on November 1, 2024, and included Democratic senators Richard Blumenthal and Ben Cardin among its signatories. The letter raised concerns over the ICC’s handling of the case and referenced the claims involving Khan.
The effort, however, did not prevent the ICC from issuing arrest warrants on November 21, 2024, for Netanyahu and Gallant over war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the regime’s genocidal war in Gaza.
Khan, who has denied the allegations, was removed from his position as ICC prosecutor last week following a vote by the court’s member states. The move followed a disciplinary process related to allegations against him, which Khan and his supporters have dismissed as unfounded.
The controversy surrounding Khan’s removal has intensified debate over the ICC’s independence, drawing renewed scrutiny of the court as Netanyahu traveled to the United States to attend Graham’s funeral and prepared for a possible visit to New York for the UN General Assembly.
The debate deepened after New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he was examining whether city authorities had the legal authority to enforce the ICC warrant if Netanyahu enters the city. Netanyahu accused Mamdani of “fomenting hate” over his position.
Ahead of the visit, US President Donald Trump said Netanyahu “will not be arrested, in any way, shape, or form” while in the United States, rejecting calls from experts urging Washington to recognize the ICC warrant. Washington does not recognize the ICC’s jurisdiction and is not a party to the court.
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