Occupied Palestine (Quds News Network)- The International Criminal Court (ICC) has completed arrest warrant applications for two top Israeli ministers, Middle East Eye (MEE) reported. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich face charges of apartheid. If issued, these would mark the first time the crime of apartheid is prosecuted in an international court. ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan prepared the cases before going on leave in May 2024. “Those applications for the arrest warrants are completely done,” an ICC source told MEE. “The only thing that didn’t happen was submitting them to the court.” The deputy prosecutors at the ICC can submit the applications to pre-trial judges. But the MEE cited sources as saying that the requests may be quietly shelved due to intense external pressure. The newly elected US administration under Donald Trump sanctioned Khan in February 2024. Khan went on leave amid a UN investigation into “sexual misconduct”allegations, which he rejected. In June, the US sanctioned four ICC judges, including two who approved Khan’s earlier applications for arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. Khan faced threats from prominent figures, including former British Foreign Secretary David Cameron. MEE also reported that a Mossad team in The Hague raised concerns for Khan’s safety. Despite this, he filed applications on 20 May 2024, leading to arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant that November. An ICC source said the applications for Ben Gvir and Smotrich were ready. “There was no more work to do on the applications. All that was left was following court procedures for submitting an application,” the source said. ICC deputies Nazhat Shameem Khan and Mame Mandiaye Niang have not submitted the applications. Sources say they fear US sanctions. Defence lawyer Nicholas Kaufman told Israel’s Kan broadcaster that US sanctions on judges were “a warning shot” to prevent further warrants against Israeli officials. Raji Sourani, representing Palestine at the ICC, criticized the delay. “For us, they are very late. What are they waiting for? Justice delayed is justice denied,” he said. Under the Rome Statute, apartheid is a crime against humanity. It includes systematic oppression by one racial group over another, with the intention of maintaining control. Israel has been accused of apartheid by Human Rights Watch and B’Tselem. In July 2024, the International Court of Justice ruled Israel’s occupation of Gaza and the West Bank illegal, noting its policies breached obligations to prevent racial segregation and apartheid. On 10 June 2024, the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway sanctioned Smotrich and Ben Gvir for “repeated incitement of violence against Palestinian communities.” An ICC spokesperson said the office cannot comment on ongoing investigations. Khan also declined to comment to MEE. The court faces high stakes. US officials have warned that sanctions could target the ICC if the warrants proceed. Whether Ben Gvir and Smotrich will face international charges remains uncertain.