Egypt Daily News – Friedrich Merz, the winner of the German elections, has stated that he will guarantee Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s safe arrival in Germany despite an international arrest warrant issued against him. The International Criminal Court (ICC) insists on Netanyahu’s responsibility for war crimes in Gaza, while Netanyahu has denounced the decision as antisemitic.
Merz, who is likely to become Germany’s next chancellor following his electoral alliance Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU)‘s success, affirmed his commitment to ensuring Netanyahu’s safe entry and departure from Germany despite the ICC’s ruling.
During a press conference, Merz revealed that he had spoken with Netanyahu after the election results, emphasizing the need for an early meeting once a new government is formed in Berlin. He also clarified that if Netanyahu decides to visit Germany, “a mechanism will be established to allow him to do so without being detained.”
Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s office acknowledged Merz’s call, stating that he had expressed gratitude for the gesture. The office confirmed that Merz would officially invite Netanyahu to visit Berlin, describing it as a “public challenge” to what it called the ICC’s “shameful” decision.
In November 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu, his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Mohammed Deif, the commander of the Al-Qassam Brigades.
The ICC accuses Netanyahu and Gallant of starving Gaza during the war that followed Hamas’ attack on Israel in October 2023, considering it a war crime, an act of persecution, and a violation of human rights. However, the Israeli Prime Minister condemned the move as “anti-Semitic.”
Merz, for his part, described the idea that an Israeli prime minister could not visit Germany as “completely absurd.” German officials remain cautious about how they would enforce ICC warrants, citing their country’s “historical responsibility” toward Israel.
Merz’s remarks came after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court earlier this month, accusing it of “abusing its authority.”
Despite his election victory, Merz still faces a long process of finding a coalition partner before officially assuming the role of German chancellor.
Meanwhile, the ICC reaffirmed that states are legally obligated to implement its decisions and should engage with the court to address any concerns “in a timely and effective manner.” The court added, “It is not up to individual states to unilaterally determine the validity of the court’s legal rulings.”
