Amnesty International criticizes Merz for inviting Netanyahu to Germany
Amnesty International has strongly criticized Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and potential next chancellor, for inviting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Berlin, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency
“Not a good start as future chancellor,” Amnesty Deutschland said on X, condemning Merz’s move as an “open call” to break the law. The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu last November over alleged war crimes in Gaza.
Merz, speaking at a press conference in Berlin, defended his decision, stating he would ensure Netanyahu could visit Germany without risk of arrest. “I think it is a completely absurd idea that an Israeli prime minister cannot visit the Federal Republic of Germany,” he said.
Netanyahu reportedly called Merz to congratulate him on his party's victory in Germany’s parliamentary elections. The CDU/CSU secured 28.6% of the vote, while Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democratic Party (SPD) suffered a historic defeat with 16.3%—its lowest vote share since 1949.
