Annalena Burbock. Photo: Kira Hofmann/Photothek Media Lab/Global Look Press
German Foreign Minister Annalena Burbock said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could be arrested on German territory if the International Criminal Court (ICC) so requests. She said this during a meeting of G7 foreign ministers in Italy,Deutsche Welle reports .
Germany’s position
Burbank stressed that the federal government adheres to the rule of law and the principle that “no one is above the law”.
“There is an independent judiciary, which in this case has concluded that there is enough evidence to take this step now,” the Foreign Minister said.
This confirms Germany’s readiness to fulfil its international legal obligations, even when it comes to high-ranking officials of other countries.
The ICC’s decision
Earlier, the International Criminal Court in The Hague issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. This decision is based on investigations into possible war crimes and violations of international humanitarian law.
Germany’s position on the execution of ICC warrants may cause international controversy given the close diplomatic relations between Berlin and Tel Aviv. However, Germany remains committed to the principles of international law.
The Israeli side has not yet commented on the possibility of implementing such actions in other countries.
