The Hague (QNN)- The Dutch intelligence service AIVD has said that the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice need extra protection to continue their work “undisturbed,” according to its 2025 annual report. The statement comes as international legal proceedings against Israel over its crimes in Palestine continue to face growing political pressure and security concerns.
The AIVD says extra security efforts are required to protect the courts in The Hague, including cases linked to "the situation in the Palestinian territories", without naming Israel as the source of threats. The report places the issue within a broader assessment of how the Gaza genocide Israel's assaults on surrounding countries affect Dutch national security.
The intelligence service does not specify the source of the threat. However, it acknowledges for the first time that the functioning of the international courts is being affected and that stronger protective measures are needed.
The development comes amid growing reports that Israel has tried to obstruct investigations into war crimes in Palestine through pressure campaigns, surveillance, and intimidation. According to human rights groups, these efforts have continued for more than a decade.
Advocacy organization The Rights Forum says Israel has used a range of tactics to influence or disrupt proceedings, including threats and intelligence operations targeting officials connected to the International Criminal Court.
The report also recalls previous incidents involving senior ICC figures. Former chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda was reportedly targeted in an intimidation campaign led by former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen, according to past investigations and testimonies. In another case, ICC investigator Andrew Cayley stepped down after receiving threats, and Dutch police reportedly warned him about personal risk.
As tensions increased, the ICC issued arrest warrants in November 2024 for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, over war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
More recently, reports in Israeli media said the ICC prosecutor has requested additional arrest warrants for senior Israeli ministers and military officials, although the court has not confirmed these reports publicly.
The International Court of Justice also ruled in 2024 that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories is illegal and ordered steps toward dismantling settlements. It has also accepted genocide-related proceedings and issued provisional measures requiring Israel to prevent further harm. Israel has rejected and not implemented these rulings.
