German Union’s Response to Criticism Over Netanyahu Invitation Rejected
The German Union has rejected criticism from international law experts over the announcement by CDU chief Friedrich Merz that he would “find ways and means” to prevent the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite an international arrest warrant, during a visit to Germany.
The deputy chairman of the Union’s parliamentary group, Johann Wadephul, told the “Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland” (Thursday edition) that it was “not an invitation” and that it would be seen whether Merz would make such a statement as a future Chancellor. Netanyahu’s office had announced on Monday that Merz had invited the Prime Minister to Germany in a phone call after his election victory.
Wadephul explained that Merz said it would be “unimaginable” for a democratically elected Prime Minister of the State of Israel to be arrested in Germany. “That’s the practical expression of our enduring responsibility towards the State of the Jews” the Union’s vice said. “Germany is in an exceptional situation.”
An arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) is pending against Netanyahu, which, according to the assessment of international law experts, would obligate Germany to arrest the Prime Minister upon his entry into the country.