JVL Introduction
A few days ago, we posted on the attack on and ousting of Karim Khan but this is so important that it bears further exposure and analysis. Khan headed up the International Criminal Court that issued arrest warrants for Israeli PM Netanyahu and then Defence leader Yoav Gallant and for Hamas leaders Mohammed Deif, Yahya Sinwar and Ismail Haniyeh, all of whom have since been killed by Israel.
Jonathan Cook makes clear that a lengthy investigation into the allegations against Khan found no evidence of any misconduct. Nonetheless, Khan has been ousted but this is hardly new. There were threats made against his predecessor and within this article is a video interview with her. There are threats being made against Zohran Mamdani for daring to use the word genocide and to argue for Netanyahu’s arrest and, of course, there is the ongoing harassment and threats to Francesca Albanese.
Cook also draws parallels with what happened to Julian Assange and reminds us about British culpability in the undermining of Khan and the ICC. The attack on the ICC – and other international institutions is worrying for all of us. Netanyahu is not the only political leader who has been responsible for crimes but Israel, with the USA, seem determined to prevent any accountability. Israel had previously operated covertly in its attempts to stop attempts at holding it accountable but no longer, it is all happening in plain view. (Also their determination not to be held accountable – and the success they have had and are still having – also strengthens allegations of Israel’s and Zionism’s control.)
Meanwhile, Palestinians continue to suffer genocide, ethnic cleansing and torture and one more avenue to stop this or to hold Israel accountable is being effectively blocked.
This article was originally published by
Jonathan Cook’s Substack on Thu 30 Jul 2026.
With Karim Khan’s dismissal, the elimination of the war crimes court is near-complete
Millions of people around the world will now find themselves even more exposed to the criminal actions of predatory states. Unlike Khan’s accuser, they are unlikely to ever get their day in court
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