Unity is not really to be expected here. The USA does not recognize the ICC at all. Most of the remaining G7 representatives do not want to address the question of a possible Netanyahu arrest until Netanyahu actually wants to travel to their countries. Chancellor Scholz is also following the same delaying tactics in order to be able to duck this question. During her time in office, Baerbock has always tried to strengthen the ICC and is now faced with a dilemma. The Foreign Minister explains that she does not want to interfere in an “ongoing process”. But: “The federal government adheres to the law because no one is above the law.”
In doing so, Baerbock makes it clear that she supports a possible arrest of Netanyahu if the International Criminal Court decides independently. However, the federal government remains hesitant because the proceedings against Netanyahu have not yet reached this point. Although there is an arrest warrant for pre-trial detention, Israel’s head of government could appeal against this – he has not been found guilty. This is also why Germany has hit the brakes here so far.
