Investigation by the Guardian regarding Israel spying and intimidating the International Criminal Court

- Announcement and Warning:
- ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan seeks arrest warrants against Israeli and Hamas leaders.
- Issues a warning against attempts to interfere with ICC work.

- Israel’s Secret Campaign:
- Israel has conducted a nearly decade-long covert campaign against the ICC.
- Israeli intelligence agencies, including Mossad, Shin Bet, Aman, and Unit 8200, were involved.
- Netanyahu was deeply involved, described as “obsessed” with intercepts.

- Surveillance and Hacking:
- ICC officials, including current and former prosecutors Karim Khan and Fatou Bensouda, were surveilled.
- Communications were intercepted, providing Netanyahu with advance knowledge of ICC actions.
- Bensouda was allegedly threatened and harassed.

- International Collaborations:
- Mossad enlisted help from international figures like Joseph Kabila, former DRC president.
- Secret meetings were held with the ICC, involving top Israeli lawyers and diplomats.

- Attempts to Thwart ICC Investigations:
- Hacking and monitoring of Palestinian NGOs and ICC communications.
- Usage of Pegasus spyware on NGO employees and Palestinian officials.
- Alleged smear campaigns against ICC officials, including Bensouda.

- US-Israel Cooperation:
- Trump administration cooperated with Israel to combat ICC actions.
- US imposed sanctions on ICC officials during Trump’s term, later lifted by Biden.

- Recent Developments:
- ICC seeks arrest warrants against Israeli PM Netanyahu and defense minister Yoav Gallant.
- Accusations include war crimes related to the Gaza conflict, killing over 35,000 people.

- Netanyahu’s Response:
- Netanyahu publicly denounces the ICC’s actions, urging global leaders to oppose the court.

- Security Measures:
- ICC strengthens security in response to ongoing threats and surveillance.

[G&T]