Netanyahu visit to Germany currently not on agenda: Merz

There is currently no question of inviting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Germany, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said after their meeting in Jerusalem on Sunday, reported dpa.

The issue of a possible trip by Netanyahu to Germany had not been discussed, the conservative chancellor said during his inaugural visit to Israel.

"There is no reason to discuss this at present. If time allows, I would issue such an invitation, but this is not an issue for either of us at this point in time."

Netanyahu is subject to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in November 2024 for suspected war crimes in the Gaza Strip - allegations he strongly rejects.

Israel does not recognize the court and is demanding that the arrest warrant be revoked.

Netanyahu said he would of course be "delighted" to visit Germany again and hold talks with the chancellor in Berlin, but added he was currently unable to do so due to the ICC arrest warrant, criticizing it sharply.