Scholz Doubts Arrest of Netanyahu Amid International Warrant

The German government is facing a complex dilemma regarding the arrest warrant issued against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Germany has historically supported the International Criminal Court (ICC), yet many German politicians find it hard to imagine the arrest of an Israeli prime minister on German soil.

In light of Netanyahu's recent visit to Hungary, where Prime Minister Viktor Orbán expressed open defiance of the ICC's decisions, Chancellor Olaf Scholz was directly asked about the situation. His response was more explicit than previous government statements. Scholz remarked that he cannot envision a scenario where an arrest would take place.

Previously, government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit referred to the issue as a hypothetical question, emphasizing that Germany adheres to laws and regulations. He pointed out that Germany had a significant role in the creation of the ICC and has been one of its strongest backers, a stance influenced by Germany's historical context. However, he also acknowledged the unique relationship and responsibilities Germany has towards Israel.

Concerning the arrest warrant, Scholz noted that the government would carefully consider any domestic steps if Netanyahu or former Defense Minister Joav Gallant were to be in Germany. He reiterated that it is difficult to conceive of a situation where an Israeli prime minister would be apprehended in Germany.

With Scholz serving in a caretaker capacity, the decision to invite Netanyahu to Germany might not rest solely with him. Friedrich Merz, the likely next chancellor, has previously indicated a willingness to host Netanyahu, stating that it would be unthinkable for the democratically elected leader of Israel not to be able to visit Germany. He expressed confidence that legal pathways could be found to facilitate such a visit.

In related news, Hungary's government has announced plans to withdraw from the ICC's statutes, a decision made public shortly after Netanyahu's arrival in Budapest. The ICC issued a warrant for Netanyahu's arrest over alleged war crimes in the Gaza Strip, obligating member states to detain him if he sets foot in their territory.

Hungary ratified the Rome Statute of the ICC in 2001 but has never officially declared its acceptance of the statute due to constitutional concerns, thus feeling unbound by the court's decisions. Orbán condemned the ICC's warrant against Netanyahu and extended an invitation to the Israeli leader.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military has reportedly conducted multiple airstrikes on various targets in Syria, including military airports and infrastructure in Damascus. These actions are part of Israel's broader strategy, which has seen a significant increase in military operations in Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime.

Additionally, over 100,000 individuals from southern Gaza have fled their homes due to intense Israeli bombardments. The United Nations has reported widespread destruction around Rafah, and Secretary-General António Guterres expressed shock over a recent attack on a humanitarian convoy that resulted in numerous casualties.

In the context of these ongoing conflicts, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has announced plans for a substantial escalation of military operations in Gaza, aiming to establish security zones within the territory.