Friedrich Merz would like to invite Netanyahu to Germany

Despite an international arrest warrant against Benjamin Netanyahu, the probably new Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) has announced an early meeting with the Israeli head of government in Germany. During a phone call on Sunday evening, he assured Netanyahu that it would not be arrested in Germany. According to Israeli information, Merz already announced an invitation for Netanyahu in the conversation.

He said Netanyahu “that we should soon see each other after the formation of government,” said Merz to journalists. “And in the event that he is planning a visit to Germany, I also agreed that we will find means and ways that he can visit Germany and can leave again without being arrested in Germany.”

Against the background of the war in the Gaza Strip in November, the International Criminal Court (INTACH) issued arrest warrants against Netanyahu and the former Israeli Minister of Defense Joav Gallant and Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif.

They are accused of crimes against humanity and war crimes. The 124 ISTGH member states-for example Germany and France, but not Israel and the United States-would have to arrest Netanyahu as soon as it enters their territory.

Merz now said: “I think it is a very absurd idea that an Israeli Prime Minister cannot visit the Federal Republic of Germany.” Netanyahu “will be able to visit Germany,” added the CDU boss.

In contrast, left-wing top candidate Jan van Aken explained: “If Netanyahu comes to Germany, he must of course be arrested. This is international law.” An international arrest warrant “must be implemented”.

Obviously with a view to an ISTGH-provisional command existing against Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, the left-wing politician added: “Measuring with two levels is a disaster.” At the same time, Van Aken emphasized that Israel’s right to exist was “non -negotiable”.

In Israel it was said that Netanyahu had a warm phone call with Merz. “Merz thanked the Prime Minister for his call and said he would invite him to an official visit to Germany,” said Netanyahu. Merz thus openly opposed the “scandalous decision” of the ICC to “describing the prime minister as a war criminal,” it said.

Israel has announced the argument against the arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant at the ICC. US President Donald Trump ordered sanctions against the court by decree.