Israeli Spy Chief Allegedly Threatens ICC Prosecutor Over War Crimes Case

According to recent reports, Yossi Cohen, a former Israeli intelligence chief, allegedly threatened and intimidated Fatou Bensouda, the then-prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), during secret meetings. These encounters took place in the years leading up to her decision to open a formal investigation into alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in occupied Palestinian territories. The investigation culminated with Karim Khan, Bensouda's successor, announcing his intention to seek an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel's conduct during the Gaza war. While Cohen's exact words and actions are not specified, it is reported that he attempted to persuade Bensouda to drop the war crimes probe. The Guardian reports that Cohen allegedly intimidated Bensouda in an attempt to influence her decision. However, it is unclear whether this pressure was successful or if Bensouda ultimately made her decision based on the merits of the case.