The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court has accused a senior UK government official of exerting political pressure to derail arrest warrants against Israeli leaders, escalating concerns about state interference in international justice. The claim is detailed in a formal submission by Karim Khan, filed amid legal efforts by Israel to halt the proceedings and remove him from the case.

Alleged Threat Linked to Israel Investigation

In a statement submitted this week to the ICC’s appeals chamber, Khan said he was warned by a senior British official that pursuing arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant could result in the UK withdrawing its funding and backing for the court.

Multiple sources familiar with the matter identify the official as David Cameron, who was serving as UK foreign secretary at the time. The alleged warning came as Khan’s office was preparing to request arrest warrants in May 2024 over alleged war crimes committed during Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.

Timeline Disputes Israeli Claims

Israel has argued that Khan fast-tracked the warrants after learning of sexual misconduct allegations against him, questioning his impartiality and motives. Khan has firmly rejected the accusation, describing Israel’s submission as speculative and misleading.

According to his account, preparations for the warrants were well advanced before any allegations emerged. Khan said his investigation into alleged crimes by both Israeli officials and Hamas leaders began in October 2023, shortly after the Hamas attacks on Israel.

Independent Legal Review Backed Warrants

Khan outlined that by late 2023 his office had convened an independent panel of seven legal experts to assess whether the evidentiary threshold for arrest warrants had been met. The panel included prominent international jurists and human rights lawyers from multiple countries.

Formally established in January 2024, the panel concluded unanimously by March that there were reasonable grounds to proceed and that the process had been conducted independently and rigorously.

Mounting Diplomatic Pressure

As the warrant applications progressed, Khan said his office faced intensifying diplomatic pressure from several governments. He cited a warning from a senior US official in April about “disastrous consequences” if the warrants moved forward, as well as further efforts by Western officials to persuade him to delay or abandon the applications.

Khan said these appeals were rejected due to Israel’s lack of cooperation with the investigation and the absence of changes in its conduct of hostilities in Gaza.

Cameron Call Under Scrutiny

Khan’s statement references a late-April phone call with a senior UK official who allegedly warned that warrants against Israeli leaders would be disproportionate and politically explosive. Sources familiar with the exchange say Cameron likened the move to a “hydrogen bomb” and argued that prosecuting Israel differed fundamentally from pursuing Russia over Ukraine.

Cameron has not publicly responded to the allegations. Individuals close to him have acknowledged the call took place but described it as forceful diplomacy rather than a threat, saying Cameron merely warned of potential political backlash within the UK.

Political Fallout in the UK

The episode has prompted calls for accountability from British politicians. Former Scottish first minister Humza Yousaf and independent MP Jeremy Corbyn have both urged investigations into whether the UK government attempted to interfere with the ICC’s independence.

Both have argued that any threat to defund the court would represent a serious breach of international legal norms.

Sanctions and Ongoing Proceedings

Khan also detailed how pressure escalated after the Cameron call, including threats of sanctions from US lawmakers and public criticism from Israeli officials. The US later imposed sanctions on Khan and other ICC personnel.

Khan is currently on leave pending the outcome of a sexual misconduct investigation led by a UN-appointed team, allegations he strongly denies. An external UN fact-finding report has been submitted to ICC judges, who are expected to issue a legal determination within the coming weeks.

Despite Israel’s attempt to halt the case, Khan said he filed the submission to clarify the record and defend the integrity of the court, stressing that transparency was essential to preserving confidence in international justice.