David Cameron Threatened ICC Prosecutor Over Israel War Crimes Probe, Report Reveals
Middle East Eye reports UK’s ex-foreign minister warned Karim Khan against issuing arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, comparing the move to “dropping a hydrogen bomb” and threatening withdrawal from the ICC.
Watan-A major exposé by Middle East Eye, authored by Editor-in-Chief David Hearst and journalist Imran Mulla, has revealed that former UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron threatened International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor Karim Khan over the court’s investigation into Israeli war crimes.
According to the report, Cameron warned Khan in April 2024 during a tense phone call that issuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and ex-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant would be like “dropping a hydrogen bomb.” He allegedly threatened that Britain would cut funding and withdraw from the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC.
This exchange came weeks before Khan formally requested arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant, and three Hamas leaders: Ismail Haniyeh, Yahya Sinwar, and Mohammed Deif.
Khan Resists Cameron’s Pressure Over Israel, Defends ICC Independence and Equal Justice
Khan insisted publicly and privately on the court’s right to act “independently and impartially,” urging an end to external intimidation. According to internal sources and call transcripts reviewed by Middle East Eye, Cameron claimed that prosecuting Russia for Ukraine crimes was different from targeting “a democratic ally like Israel defending itself after October 7.” He warned such a move would have “profound consequences” for the UK and the Conservative Party.
Cameron also warned that if arrest warrants were issued, Britain would legally be required to detain Netanyahu if he entered the country, something he implied was politically unacceptable. He accused Khan of equating Israel with Hamas and questioned why the court hadn’t issued warrants for Iran.
ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan steps down temporarily
Khan reportedly responded that Israel had refused to provide any substantive evidence during years of ICC engagement, and emphasized that his office was investigating both sides. Sources say Cameron became aggressive, raising his voice and interrupting Khan, who asked to speak without being shouted over. When Khan pointed out the investigation included Hamas crimes, Cameron dismissed it as “false equivalence.”
Despite pressure, Khan did not back down, stating:“There’s a real risk people will think the rules-based order is not applied equally.”
The UK Foreign Office did not comment, and Khan declined to speak on the record. Cameron later publicly condemned the ICC’s request, calling it “a grave mistake.”
UK Shifts ICC Stance as Khan Faces Pressure, U.S. Sanctions, and Political Interference Over Gaza Probe
In June 2024, the then-Conservative government formally objected to the ICC’s jurisdiction over Israeli nationals—a position long held by Israel. However, the new Labour government under Keir Starmer reversed that objection a month later, emphasizing the importance of rule of law and ICC independence.
Khan, reportedly shaken and angered by Cameron’s threats, told confidants:“I don’t like to be pressured… I won’t say it was blackmail, but I don’t like being threatened.”
He added that powerful nations, like the UK, were degrading their institutions and values by attempting to undermine international justice.
Despite ongoing backlash, the ICC confirmed that Deputy Prosecutors are continuing the legal process for arrest warrants. In parallel, the U.S. recently imposed sanctions on four ICC judges over their alleged targeting of American and Israeli officials.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
The Middle East Eye report also noted that Cameron’s aggressive push coincided with political moves to block further scrutiny of Israel’s actions in Gaza, as the Sunak government refused ceasefire calls or arms suspension. Meanwhile, secret visits by Israeli officials to the UK—including Israeli FM Gideon Sa’ar—continued, even after the ICC warrants.
Khan himself later took a leave of absence amid an unrelated UN probe into sexual misconduct allegations he denies. His office remains under international and political pressure as it continues to pursue accountability for alleged war crimes in Gaza and beyond.
