Germany has issued a stern warning that it will arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he enters the country, following allegations of war crimes by the International Criminal Court (ICC). A spokesperson for German Chancellor Olaf Scholz confirmed that Germany will abide by international law and execute any ICC arrest warrants issued against Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. This stance aligns with the obligations of the 124 countries, including all EU members, that are required to arrest the Israeli officials if the ICC judges grant the warrants. This unprecedented move marks the first time a sitting Western-backed leader has been targeted by the ICC in such a manner.
The decision comes as the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber considers charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity against Netanyahu and Gallant, proposed by British prosecutor Karim Khan. Netanyahu has condemned the allegations as a distortion of reality, accusing the prosecutor of exacerbating antisemitism. Despite Israel’s non-recognition of the ICC’s jurisdiction over its defense actions, Germany’s commitment to the ICC has sparked significant media and public reaction, given Germany’s historical context and its role as a major donor to the ICC. This development follows a direct appeal from Israel’s Ambassador to Berlin, urging the German government to reject the proposed arrest warrant.
