Mertz: Open to Netanyahu’s visit to Germany despite the international arrest warrant
German Chancellor Friedrich Mertz expressed his willingness to allow Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to visit Germany, despite the international arrest warrant.
It is recalled that after more than a year of war in the Gaza Strip in November 2024, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants against the Israeli Prime Minister and former Defense Minister Joav Galadis, whom he considers.
« In principle, an Israeli prime minister must be able to travel to Germany, » Mertz told a meeting with UN Secretary -General Antonio Guterres in Berlin Wednesday, according to the German News Agency DPA.
Mertz clarified that there are no plans for a Netanyahu visit at present, so decisions are not yet required.
However, he added: « He is a democratically elected prime minister of unique democracy throughout the region. This prime minister must first be able to travel to Germany. If a visit is scheduled, we will inform you in due course of how we will facilitate it. «
Benjamin Netanyahu.
Mertz’s reports to Israel in his Bundestag speech
Earlier, in his first statement as a Chancellor at the Bundestag, Mertz made a special reference to anti -Semitism and Israel.
« Germany must be and remain a safe haven for the Jews. Cooperation with Israel is a miracle, but also a gift from the state of Israel and Israeli society. The existence and security of the State of Israel is and remain a state check for us, « he reiterated, adding that this historical responsibility was re -specific on October 7, 2023.
« I would like to tell our Israeli friends at this point: We stand on the side of Israel. This also includes Germany’s commitment to rapid peace in the region, a ceasefire, the liberation of all Hamas hostages and humanitarian aid to the population in Gaza, « Martz added, referring to the risk of starvation in Gaza.
« It is a humanitarian obligation, » he said characteristically, while some of the left -wing Members shouted « genocide! »
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