Germany's Likely Chancellor Pledges Netanyahu Visit Despite ICC Arrest Warrant

Friedrich Merz, poised to become Germany's next leader, vows to facilitate a visit by Israeli PM Netanyahu, defying ICC war crimes warrant.

Friedrich Merz, Germany's likely next chancellor, has invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to visit Germany despite an ICC arrest warrant against him for alleged war crimes in Gaza.
Merz described the ICC's decision to issue the warrant as 'absurd' and committed to ensuring Netanyahu could visit and leave Germany without being arrested.
The ICC issued warrants in November 2024 for Netanyahu, former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas commander Mohammed Deif over alleged war crimes during the Gaza conflict, which has left over 48,000 Palestinians dead.
Germany, as an ICC member state, is legally obligated to enforce arrest warrants issued by the court, but Merz's stance highlights tensions between Germany's historical ties to Israel and its commitment to international law.
Critics, including Germany's Left Party, have condemned Merz's position, accusing him of double standards, while the ICC reiterated that states must uphold its legal decisions.