BERLIN

German conservative leader Friedrich Merz, likely the country's next chancellor, on Monday said he would like to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Berlin despite an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Speaking at a news conference in Berlin, Merz confirmed that Netanyahu called him on Sunday to congratulate him for his election victory, and they also discussed their possible meeting after the formation of a new German government.

“You know that we know each other well and I also told him that we should see each other soon after the government is formed and in case he plans to visit Germany,” Merz told reporters.

“I also promised him that we would find ways and means for him to be able to visit Germany and leave again without being arrested. I think it is a completely absurd idea that an Israeli prime minister cannot visit the Federal Republic of Germany, he will be able to visit Germany,” he added.

Last November, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza, where an Israeli military offensive has killed more than 48,300 people, mostly women and children, since October 2023.