The leader of the conservatives in Germany, Friedrich Merz, who is set to become chancellor after his party’s victory in Sunday’s legislative elections, said on Monday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be able to visit Germany despite the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court, AFP reports.
„I have committed to finding a way for him to visit Germany and leave without being arrested,” Friedrich Merz told the press after speaking on the phone with the Israeli prime minister on Sunday evening, a conversation described by the prime minister’s office as „warm.”
The future chancellor stated that he will "invite (Benjamin Netanyahu) for an official visit to Germany."
Without going into the details of a possible meeting, Friedrich Merz added: "I believe it is completely absurd for an Israeli prime minister not to be able to visit the Federal Republic of Germany."
"I told him that we should meet immediately after the government is formed," Friedrich Merz said.
Like former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Benjamin Netanyahu is targeted by an arrest warrant issued by the ICC at the end of November 2024 for crimes against humanity and war crimes in the Gaza Strip. Israel has appealed against the procedure, denouncing an "antisemitic" decision and "absurd accusations."
Benjamin Netanyahu had already thanked Viktor Orban last year for the invitation to visit Hungary despite the arrest warrant, praising the "moral clarity" of his Hungarian counterpart.
In a show of support for Israel, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order earlier this month banning leaders, employees, and agents of the ICC from entering the United States. Israel congratulated him at that time.
Although Israel retains some very important allies, the conduct of the Gaza war, as well as other military operations and recent political developments in Israel, have been widely criticized by parts of the international community.
The ICC is a permanent court responsible for prosecuting and judging individuals accused of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes.
The United States is not a signatory to the Rome Statute, which recognizes the jurisdiction of the ICC, while Germany and Hungary are state parties and, theoretically, should arrest Benjamin Netanyahu if he is on their territory.