A reported witness statement submitted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation alleges that Qatar offered to look after International Criminal Court Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan after he issued arrest warrants in 2024 against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant. The Wall Street Journal said it reviewed the statement and audio recordings describing a private intelligence operation that discussed support from the Qatari state in connection with the warrants.

The materials reportedly detail efforts by private investigators to discredit a woman who accused Khan of sexual misconduct, including attempts to link her and a former aide to Israel. According to the report, investigators explored theories about possible Israeli ties but found no supporting evidence. Qatar has called the allegations unfounded, while one of the firms involved denied being hired by a government to discredit anyone.

The controversy comes as Khan faces scrutiny over separate findings by a United Nations investigation that cited evidence of nonconsensual sexual contact, allegations he denies. A panel of judges has said he may potentially resume his duties, with a final decision resting with the court's overseeing body. Netanyahu, responding to the broader dispute, sharply criticized the court and rejected the case against Israel as baseless.