Germany is ‘examining’ whether to issue an arrest warrant for Netanyahu
Germany is currently weighing its obligations to the ICC regarding the potential arrest of the Israeli prime minister if he visits the country. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Berlin has a “historical responsibility” to Israel, according to a government spokesman.
The German government is currently evaluating its obligations to the International Criminal Court (ICC), with officials reportedly expressing relief over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's lack of plans to visit Germany in the near future.
The ICC, based in The Hague, announced on Thursday that it is seeking Netanyahu on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in relation to the Gaza conflict. The move has faced condemnation from Israel and its allies, including the United States, though some nations have stated they will comply with the warrant.
“We adhere to the law at the national, European, and international levels,” Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock remarked on Friday. “That is why we are examining exactly what this means for us regarding its international application.”
Germany is a signatory to the Rome Statute and recognizes the authority of the ICC, but a spokesperson for Chancellor Olaf Scholz indicated that it is unlikely Berlin will comply with the warrant due to its “historical responsibility” to Israel.
“On one hand, there is the importance of the International Criminal Court, which we strongly support; on the other hand, there is our historical responsibility,” government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit stated. “I would be inclined to say that I have difficulty imagining that we would make arrests in Germany on this basis.”
Netanyahu last visited Germany in March 2023, and government representatives have noted, “almost with relief,” that another visit is not expected in the near future.
Although Israel is not a signatory to the Rome Statute, the ICC has jurisdiction over the West Bank and Gaza, considered occupied Palestinian territories under international law. This jurisdiction is recognized by 123 countries, and should Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant travel to any of these nations, they could face arrest.
Israel “rejects with disgust the absurd and false actions leveled against it by the ICC,” a statement from Netanyahu’s office declared.
The United States “fundamentally rejects” the ICC's decision and is “deeply concerned” about the “troubling process errors” that led to it, a spokesperson for the National Security Council commented on Thursday.
The European Union has indicated its intention to respect the ICC’s decision regarding Israeli officials. Josep Borrell, the bloc’s foreign policy chief, characterized the ICC’s warrants as non-political and called for member states to respect and implement them.
To date, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Belgium, and Norway have announced compliance with the ICC warrant.
France has acknowledged the legitimacy of the warrant but noted that arresting the Israeli leader would be “legally complex.”
The UK has signaled its willingness to “comply with its legal obligations,” while also pointing out that domestic procedures related to ICC arrest warrants have never been utilized, as no wanted individual has previously visited the country.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has invited Netanyahu to Budapest, asserting that the ICC warrant “will have no effect” in EU and NATO member states.
Aarav Patel contributed to this report for TROIB News
The German government is currently evaluating its obligations to the International Criminal Court (ICC), with officials reportedly expressing relief over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's lack of plans to visit Germany in the near future.
The ICC, based in The Hague, announced on Thursday that it is seeking Netanyahu on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in relation to the Gaza conflict. The move has faced condemnation from Israel and its allies, including the United States, though some nations have stated they will comply with the warrant.
“We adhere to the law at the national, European, and international levels,” Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock remarked on Friday. “That is why we are examining exactly what this means for us regarding its international application.”
Germany is a signatory to the Rome Statute and recognizes the authority of the ICC, but a spokesperson for Chancellor Olaf Scholz indicated that it is unlikely Berlin will comply with the warrant due to its “historical responsibility” to Israel.
“On one hand, there is the importance of the International Criminal Court, which we strongly support; on the other hand, there is our historical responsibility,” government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit stated. “I would be inclined to say that I have difficulty imagining that we would make arrests in Germany on this basis.”
Netanyahu last visited Germany in March 2023, and government representatives have noted, “almost with relief,” that another visit is not expected in the near future.
Although Israel is not a signatory to the Rome Statute, the ICC has jurisdiction over the West Bank and Gaza, considered occupied Palestinian territories under international law. This jurisdiction is recognized by 123 countries, and should Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant travel to any of these nations, they could face arrest.
Israel “rejects with disgust the absurd and false actions leveled against it by the ICC,” a statement from Netanyahu’s office declared.
The United States “fundamentally rejects” the ICC's decision and is “deeply concerned” about the “troubling process errors” that led to it, a spokesperson for the National Security Council commented on Thursday.
The European Union has indicated its intention to respect the ICC’s decision regarding Israeli officials. Josep Borrell, the bloc’s foreign policy chief, characterized the ICC’s warrants as non-political and called for member states to respect and implement them.
To date, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Belgium, and Norway have announced compliance with the ICC warrant.
France has acknowledged the legitimacy of the warrant but noted that arresting the Israeli leader would be “legally complex.”
The UK has signaled its willingness to “comply with its legal obligations,” while also pointing out that domestic procedures related to ICC arrest warrants have never been utilized, as no wanted individual has previously visited the country.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has invited Netanyahu to Budapest, asserting that the ICC warrant “will have no effect” in EU and NATO member states.
Aarav Patel contributed to this report for TROIB News
