Bart De Wever cites realpolitik as the reason for the Israeli leader’s perceived impunity.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever stated that no nation within the EU would act on the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant issued for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
During Prime Minister Netanyahu’s recent visit, Hungary voiced its intention to withdraw from the Rome Statute, the treaty that empowers the ICC. The ICC, which relies on national authorities for arrests, accuses Netanyahu of war crimes related to the Gaza conflict.
De Wever, who leads the New Flemish Alliance and a five-party coalition, expressed understanding for Hungary’s position on VRT’s Terzake, saying, “We would do that too, to be completely honest.”
“There is also realpolitik. I don’t believe any European country is prepared to arrest Netanyahu if he were present within its borders,” he added.
The ICC has responded critically to Budapest, with spokesperson Fadi El Abdallah stating that “Hungary remains under a duty to cooperate” with the court.
Members of Belgium’s governing coalition have distanced themselves from De Wever’s remarks, claiming a lack of prior consultation. Opposition parties have also criticized the prime minister for venturing onto a “dangerous slippery slope,” arguing that such decisions should be left to the judiciary and accusing him of siding with “dubious European leaders who shamelessly disregard international law.”
Last November, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, alleging serious offenses, including the use of starvation as a weapon of war, following a deadly 2023 attack by Hamas.
Earlier this year, Poland offered Netanyahu assurances of safety should he attend the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz by the Red Army. Netanyahu ultimately declined the invitation.
Outgoing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said last week that he “cannot imagine” arresting Netanyahu if he were to visit Germany. The French government has suggested that Netanyahu should be granted diplomatic immunity under the Rome Statute, a view contested by the ICC.
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