ICC Restricts Prosecutor's Disclosure of Israeli Arrest Warrant Requests

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has imposed new restrictions on its chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, barring him from publicizing any new applications for arrest warrants in the court's Palestine case before judges approve them. This decision comes amid Khan's preparations to seek additional warrants against Israeli officials over alleged war crimes in the occupied Palestinian territories, with at least one new request reportedly close to approval. The move reflects growing tension between Khan and ICC judges, who are concerned that his public announcements about pending warrants deviate from standard practice and may undermine the court's credibility or pressure judicial processes. Previously, Khan had secured warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant, as well as a Hamas leader, though the latter was withdrawn after his death. Court officials note that Khan's approach is a departure from his predecessor's discretion, further fueling internal disagreements. These developments come as the ICC continues to face external political pressure and ongoing investigations into other international cases.