Germany won’t arrest Netanyahu ‘because of its Nazi history’

European nations split after Israeli PM is made subject of ICC warrant over alleged war crimes

Copy link
twitter
facebook
whatsapp
email
Copy link
twitter
facebook
whatsapp
email
Germany has suggested that it will not arrest Benjamin Netanyahu if he travels to the country because of its Nazi history.
Mr Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, was made the subject of an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant over alleged war crimes in Gaza on Thursday, a move he has described as anti-Semitic.
A number of European countries, including the UK, have said they will respect the ICC’s decision.
But a spokesman for Olaf Scholz, the German chancellor, suggested the country would not carry out such an arrest due to its history and unique relationship with Israel.
“I find it hard to imagine that arrests could be carried out in Germany on this basis,” said Steffen Hebestreit, a government spokesman.
His words came as the German government said in a statement that it had “taken note” of the ICC decision and said it was one of the court’s biggest supporters.
But it added: “At the same time, it is a consequence of German history that we share unique relations and great responsibility with Israel.
“We will carefully examine the domestic steps. Any further action would only be taken when a visit [to Germany] by prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant is foreseeable.”
In an interview with The Telegraph last December, Ron Prosor, the Israeli ambassador to Berlin, said Germany had become Israel’s “second strategic partner”, behind the United States, due to its “amazing” response to the Oct 7 attacks.
In a clearer show of support for Mr Netanyahu, Viktor Orban, the prime minister of Hungary, has invited the Israeli leader on a state visit, defying the ICC’s decision to issue an arrest warrant.
Mr Orban criticised the ICC ruling, labelling it a “political” decision that “discredits” international law and that could add “fuel to the flames” in the war between Israel and Hamas.
Hungary signed the statute of the ICC in 1999, ratifying it two years later, meaning it is technically obliged to arrest the Israeli prime minister should he step foot in the country.
Mr Netanyahu thanked Mr Orban for the invite and for his “warm support of Israel”.
Mr Orban’s rejection of the ICC’s ruling marks a split among European countries after Italy and the Netherlands vowed to arrest Mr Netanyahu, as well as Mr Gallant.
“The ICC arrest warrant against prime minister Netanyahu is brazen, cynical and completely unacceptable. I invited prime minister Netanyahu for an official visit to Hungary, where we will guarantee his freedom and safety,” Mr Orban said.
He added that the “disgraceful decision” would have “no impact whatsoever” on Israel and Hungary’s relationship.
Mr Netanyahu said: “I thank Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban for the warm support for me and the state of Israel.
“Against the shameful weakness of those who have lined up alongside the outrageous decision against the state of Israel’s right to defend itself, Hungary – like our friends in the US – has shown moral clarity and steadfastness on the side of justice and the truth.”
Mr Orban has become an outlier in Europe in recent years, particularly over his willingness to maintain open communication with Vladimir Putin during the war between Russia and Ukraine.
His decision to invite Mr Netanyahu to Hungary is in marked contrast to the position of fellow European Union member states, including Ireland, Italy, and the Netherlands.
Guido Crosetto, Italy’s defence minister, told RAI television on Thursday: “We would have to arrest them.”
He added that it was not a political choice but that Italy was bound as a member of the ICC to act on the court’s warrants.
It followed a call by the European Union on its member states to respect and comply with the arrest warrants following the ICC’s landmark decision.
Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign policy chief, also disputed Israel’s claim that the court’s decision was political.
Mr Netanyahu condemned the decision on Thursday, labelling it an “anti-Semitic decision” motivated by “hate”.
Copy link
twitter
facebook
whatsapp
email