Netanyahu’s Visit to Germany Not on Agenda, Says Chancellor Merz

Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed that there are currently no plans to invite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Germany. This statement followed their meeting in Jerusalem on Sunday, marking Merz’s inaugural visit to Israel. He emphasized that the topic of a potential trip by Netanyahu had not been discussed during their talks.

Merz stated, “There is no reason to discuss this at present. If time allows, I would issue such an invitation, but this is not an issue for either of us at this point in time.” This comment reflects the current diplomatic climate and the complexities surrounding Netanyahu’s position.

Netanyahu faces an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in November 2024, relating to suspected war crimes in the Gaza Strip. He has vehemently denied these allegations and criticized the ICC’s actions, asserting that Israel does not recognize the court’s authority and is demanding the revocation of the warrant.

During the meeting, Netanyahu expressed his eagerness to visit Germany again and engage in discussions with Merz in Berlin. However, he acknowledged the practical difficulties posed by the ICC arrest warrant, which complicates his ability to travel internationally.

He remarked, “Of course, I would be delighted to visit Germany again,” but emphasized his current inability to do so due to the ongoing legal circumstances. This highlights the intersection of international law and diplomatic relations, as leaders navigate their engagements amidst legal challenges.

The absence of an invitation for Netanyahu underscores the delicate balance of political relations between Germany and Israel, particularly in light of the ongoing controversies surrounding the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza. As diplomatic dialogues continue, the future of high-level meetings between the two nations remains uncertain.