American actor Mark Ruffalo blasted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on X after member states of the International Criminal Court removed chief prosecutor Karim Khan.
In his July 26 post, Ruffalo called Netanyahu a “murderous maniac” and wrote, “You will not outrun justice.”
The “Avengers” actor accused Netanyahu of lobbying for Khan’s removal. He argued that dismissing the prosecutor would not eliminate the allegations arising from Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, according to The New Arab.
Ruffalo’s remarks followed Netanyahu’s public welcome of Khan’s dismissal. Israel has rejected the ICC proceedings as politically motivated and disputed the court’s jurisdiction.
The ICC’s Assembly of States Parties removed Khan on Friday, July 24. Eighty-two member states supported his dismissal after the court’s oversight body concluded that he committed serious misconduct and a serious breach of duty, the Associated Press reported.
Khan has denied the sexual misconduct allegations against him and said he would challenge the decision.
ICC judges issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant in November 2024 after Khan’s office submitted an application. The warrants concern alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Read: Mamdani Says NYC Cannot Enforce Netanyahu ICC Warrant
Khan’s removal does not cancel the warrants. Only ICC judges can withdraw them.
Ruffalo has repeatedly advocated for Palestinian rights and criticised Israel’s conduct in Gaza through public statements and social-media posts.
