German president warns against Netanyahu visit over ICC arrest warrant

Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has cautioned against a visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying Berlin must not risk undermining international law in light of the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

“We, in particular, should make the international legal order part of our own identity,” Steinmeier said in an interview set to air Sunday on Deutschlandfunk radio, according to a transcript obtained by German news agency DPA.

He suggested it would be wise to avoid a scenario where Germany might be compelled to detain an Israeli leader under ICC obligations.

His remarks follow a controversial statement by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who said Germany would not recognise the ICC’s warrant against Netanyahu.

The ICC issued arrest warrants last November for both Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity over Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza.