The International Criminal Court (ICC) panel considering a request to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his defense minister, and senior Hamas leaders has seen a change in its presiding judge. The court granted a request by Judge Iulia Motoc to be removed from the case due to medical reasons, with Judge Beti Hohler taking her place.
The request for arrest warrants was made by the court's chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, in May. Khan accused Netanyahu, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and three Hamas leaders of war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip and Israel. However, the decision on the warrants is likely to be further delayed due to this development.
Netanyahu and Gallant, who are not members of the ICC, do not face immediate prosecution even if the warrants are issued. Nevertheless, the threat of arrest could impact their international travel.
The situation stems from a series of events, including a Hamas-led militant incursion into southern Israel resulting in casualties and abductions. Israel's retaliatory offensive in Gaza has led to a significant number of Palestinian fatalities, with conflicting reports on the number of combatants killed.
Furthermore, the Israeli campaign has extended into Lebanon, where clashes with the Hezbollah militant group have escalated. These developments have added complexity to the already sensitive geopolitical situation in the region.
In a separate development, allegations have surfaced against Prosecutor Karim Khan, accusing him of attempting to coerce a female aide into a sexual relationship and groping her. Khan has vehemently denied these allegations, attributing them to a potential smear campaign. A court watchdog has advised caution in handling the matter to protect the rights of all involved and maintain the court's integrity.
