Germany Declines to Arrest Netanyahu Amid ICC Warrant

Germany has indicated it is unlikely to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, following an International Criminal Court (ICC) ruling that issued arrest warrants for him and former defense minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes related to the Gaza conflict. German officials, citing the country's complex history with Israel and its antisemitism legacy, expressed doubts about enforcing the warrant, with government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit stating, "I find it hard to imagine that arrests could be carried out in Germany on this basis." While the European Union mandates compliance with ICC warrants, Hungary has openly rejected the court's ruling, and other EU nations like the UK have signaled they will adhere to the ICC's decision. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock emphasized that the government is examining its response, acknowledging its commitment to the ICC while maintaining unique relations with Israel. The situation has prompted mixed reactions globally, with the US fundamentally rejecting the ICC's jurisdiction in this matter, labeling the decision as outrageous. As the situation unfolds, any potential arrest would depend on whether Netanyahu plans to visit Germany in the future.