The Dutch government on Wednesday summoned the Israeli ambassador, Modi Ephraim, to provide explanations regarding covert operations of surveillance and espionage by Israeli intelligence targeting the International Criminal Court (ICC).

This move follows revelations from a joint investigation conducted by The Guardian, +972 Magazine, and Local Call.

According to Dutch officials, Ambassador Ephraim was asked to report to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss the serious claims raised in the investigative reports. The discussions centered on findings that Israeli intelligence agencies attempted over nine years to undermine, influence, and intimidate the ICC chief prosecutor's office.

A spokesperson for the Dutch Foreign Affairs Ministry confirmed the meeting, stating that concerns regarding the allegations were communicated to Ambassador Ephraim. However, specific details of the conversation were not disclosed due to diplomatic confidentiality.

As the host country of the ICC, located in The Hague, the Netherlands has a binding agreement to ensure the safety and security of ICC personnel and protect them from any form of interference.

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This comes against the backdrop of ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan's applications for arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

These applications related to war crimes and crimes against humanity have sparked contentious reactions from "Israel" and its allies, including the US.

In response to queries from Dutch MPs about the Israeli intelligence operations, several MPs, including Kati Piri, have called for transparency and an investigation into the involvement of the Israeli embassy in these activities.

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Piri stressed the Netherlands has "a special responsibility" to uphold the ICC's independence and protect it from intimidation.

While expressing opposition to any threats against the ICC, the Dutch government has faced criticism for not publicly endorsing its support for the court more vocally.

"As host country, I expect louder public support from the Dutch government for the ICC and its employees," Piri told The Guardian. 

Read more: Netanyahu urges blocking of ICC action; US officials quick to oblige

ICC must be allowed to work 'without intimidation'

Earlier this month, a joint statement issued by 93 states aimed at reinforcing support for the judicial body said that the ICC must be allowed to conduct its work "without intimidation".

The large group of ICC member states pledged to defend the institution and "preserve its integrity from any political interference and pressure against the court, its officials, and those cooperating with it."

The move comes after revelations by The Guardian exposed efforts by "Israel" and its spy agencies to undermine, influence, and intimidate the ICC as part of a nine-year campaign of surveillance and espionage.

The statement also comes following recent warnings from the ICC’s chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, who confirmed that the court has faced "several forms of threats" and hostile intelligence activities intended to interfere with and improperly influence his work.

Khan said last month that he was seeking arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Security Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity, as well as Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar, Ismail Haniyeh, and Mohammad Deif, prompting fierce responses from "Israel" and its allies.

The statement of support for the ICC was drafted by five member states – Belgium, Chile, Jordan, Senegal, and Slovenia – and was presented to the rest of the court’s state parties last week for endorsement.