The Unprecedented Mossad Infiltration of the ICC and Its Implications for International Justice: New Revelations

The Mossad, Israel’s intelligence agency, was involved in an action against the court during the tenure of former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to a senior Israeli official, this activity was authorized at a high level and justified by the belief that the court posed a threat to the prosecution of military personnel.

Another Israeli source familiar with the situation stated that the Mossad’s goal was to either harm the plaintiff or recruit her to cooperate with Israel’s demands. A third source involved in the operation described Cohen as “Netanyahu’s unofficial emissary.”

Several sources confirmed that Bensouda, who is currently chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), was briefed by a small group of court officials about Cohen’s attempts to influence her. Concerns were raised about the threatening and persistent nature of his behavior, according to reports. Cohen allegedly tried to persuade Bensouda by saying, “You need to help us and let us take care of you. You don’t want to get involved in things that could endanger your safety or that of your family.”

The ICC has been investigating alleged Israeli war crimes for several years now, including investigations into settlement activities and alleged war crimes committed during Operation Cast Lead in Gaza in 2008-2009. The investigation into Cohen’s activities is part of an upcoming investigation by “The Guardian,” “+972 Magazine,” and “Kol Komomi,” which will reveal how Israeli intelligence agencies waged a covert “war” against the ICC for nearly a decade.