BERLIN – The German government announced plans to closely study the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a former defense minister but will not take immediate action unless an official visit to Germany is scheduled, a government spokesperson said Friday.
Steffen Hebestreit, the government spokesperson, highlighted the need to resolve legal ambiguities surrounding the warrants, adding, “I find it hard to imagine that we would make arrests on this basis.” He declined to specify whether Netanyahu would currently be welcomed in Germany.
The warrants come amid intensified global scrutiny following the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. Germany’s commitment to Israel remains steadfast, as Chancellor Olaf Scholz has reiterated the nation’s historical responsibility to support Israel, a position rooted in Germany’s post-Holocaust political ethos.
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock emphasized Germany’s respect for the ICC and international law, stating that officials are determining the appropriate response to the warrants. She noted that the hypothetical nature of Netanyahu’s entry into the EU adds complexity to the situation.
Germany remains a key ally of Israel, with weapons deliveries continuing to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. However, the ICC warrants may test this relationship, as Berlin navigates its dual commitment to international law and its unique historical and diplomatic ties to Israel. No upcoming visits between Germany and Israel have been planned since Netanyahu’s last trip in March 2023.