During his visit to Jerusalem, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to allow aid deliveries into the Gaza Strip. According to a statement from government spokesperson Cerstin Gammelin on Monday, the President also commemorated the 60th anniversary of German-Israeli relations and emphasized Germany’s lasting responsibility for Israeli security, especially after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. They discussed the tense situation in the region and the urgent need to show political perspectives for ending the conflict, particularly in dialogue with Arab states.
Former Left Party leader Jan van Aken had advised President Steinmeier against the meeting, saying, “A mere friendship visit to an internationally sought-after war criminal like Netanyahu must not take place.” He also warned that neither Putin nor Netanyahu should feel untouchable in Germany. The Left Party does not question Germany’s special responsibility towards Israel, but van Aken argues that the government must not tolerate violations of law. “In the moment when Netanyahu is received here and nothing happens, our rule of law is over” he claimed.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Hamas leader Mohammed Deif are both sought by the International Criminal Court in The Hague for alleged war crimes. According to Israeli reports, Chancellor Friedrich Merz had previously shown openness to receiving Netanyahu in Germany. However, as a member of the International Criminal Court, Germany is obligated to arrest Netanyahu upon his arrival in the country.