According to Khan, he requested the issuance of arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on April 23, 2024. In his petition, the prosecutor described the events leading up to this request, mentioning a phone call with a representative from the United Kingdom who warned him about possible consequences.
Khan's interlocutor was likely the UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron, who stated that issuing a warrant would be an "disproportionate" measure. Khan also mentioned pressure from the United States, noting that in April 2024, one American official informed him that such a step could lead to "catastrophic consequences."
Additionally, on May 1, 2024, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham contacted Khan and expressed concerns that if Israeli citizens were arrested, Hamas might retaliate against hostages.
Khan emphasized that he acted in accordance with the principles of impartiality and was not guided by personal interests, and that plans for issuing the warrant were made before any accusations against him arose. In May 2024, two ICC staff members filed complaints against Khan, accusing him of inappropriate behavior, which led to an investigation commissioned by the UN Office of Internal Oversight.
At the request of the Chair of the Assembly of States Parties to the ICC, Khan temporarily suspended his activities until the investigation was completed. On December 11, 2025, the Assembly received a report from the Office of Internal Oversight, which was forwarded to the court's experts.
