ICC prosecutor says Netanyahu arrest warrants remain in force despite US sanctions

September 21, 2026 at 05:14 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

The International Criminal Court's acting prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan said the court has taken no steps to withdraw arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. She said a prosecution team continues its investigation despite U.S. sanctions against the court. The warrants were issued in November 2024 over alleged war crimes in Gaza.

Key Facts

Acting ICC prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan said the court has taken no steps to withdraw arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant.
The ICC issued the warrants in November 2024 for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed from at least October 8, 2023, to May 20, 2024, in Palestine, including Gaza.
In February 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing sanctions on ICC officials.
Khan said a prosecution team continues its investigation and that the office is guided by law and evidence, rejecting any hidden motives.

Prosecutor's Statement

Acting ICC prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan said in a CNN interview that the court has taken no steps to withdraw the arrest warrant requests or the warrants themselves for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. She emphasized that a team of ICC prosecution staff continues the investigation. Khan added that when seeking arrest warrants, the prosecution is guided by law and evidence and rejects assumptions of any hidden motives.

Warrants and US Sanctions

The ICC announced in November 2024 that it had issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed from at least October 8, 2023, to May 20, 2024, in Palestine, including the Gaza Strip. In February 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order providing for sanctions against ICC officials. U.S. authorities accused the court of wrongful actions against Washington and its allies, such as Israel.