Netanyahu Responds to Suspension of Former Ruto’s Lawyer by ICC

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has welcomed the suspension of International Criminal Court (ICC) Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan, the British lawyer who once represented President William Ruto during his case at the Hague-based court.

Khan was suspended by the ICC’s governing body following allegations of sexual misconduct.

However, the prosecutor has denied the claims and insists he has done nothing wrong.

Netanyahu Claims ICC Is Biased

In a statement through his X account dated Wednesday, June 10, 2026, Netanyahu claimed the suspension exposed what he described as corruption and bias within the ICC.

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He argued that Khan’s actions against Israel had been politically motivated and said the prosecutor’s removal was a significant moment for the court.

“Want to divert attention from sex crime accusations? Just make up war crime accusations against Israel! Classic. The ICC is corrupt to the core,” read part of the statement.

The development comes months after Khan sought arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes linked to the Gaza conflict.

Israel has on numerous occasions rejected the accusations and challenged the ICC’s decision.

Karim Khan’s Links to Kenya

Khan is well known in Kenya because he was part of President William Ruto’s legal team during the ICC cases linked to the 2007/08 post-election violence.

Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta were among the leaders who faced charges in court, but the cases were later dropped.

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Khan became the ICC’s chief prosecutor in 2021 and went on to lead investigations into several major international conflicts, including those in Ukraine, Sudan, and Gaza.

The ICC’s governing body said Khan will remain suspended as disciplinary proceedings continue. Member states are expected to hold a special meeting to decide his future at the court.

Khan has denied all the allegations against him, saying he did not engage in any misconduct. He has also questioned the process that led to his suspension.

The suspension was announced on Monday, June 8, 2026, by the Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP), the ICC’s governing body. The decision followed a lengthy investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct.

According to reports, the allegations stem from claims that Khan engaged in non-consensual sexual contact with a female aide.

The alleged incidents are said to have occurred in his office, at a private residence, and during official work trips.

A separate allegation was later raised by a former intern, who accused Khan of inappropriate behaviour dating back to 2009.

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ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan speaking at a past function. PHOTO/Khan