Belgian PM says Netanyahu's arrest is unlikely — even France wouldn't risk it
Bart De Wever stated that European countries, including Belgium, are unlikely to arrest Netanyahu despite the ICC warrant, sparking political backlash at home.
Photo: Dati Bendo, CC BY 4.0
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever said on Thursday in an interview with VRT that it is highly unlikely Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would be arrested in Europe, including Belgium.
According to him, most EU countries would not enforce the International Criminal Court's warrant, as it is hardly feasible from the standpoint of realpolitik.
The statement came amid Netanyahu’s visit to Hungary, where the government announced its decision to begin the process of withdrawing from the ICC.
International law expert Steven De Vulf noted that Israel does not recognize the court's jurisdiction, making Netanyahu’s arrest both unlikely and legally questionable.
De Wever’s comments sparked harsh criticism: the opposition Groen party accused him of undermining international law, while coalition partners Vooruit, CD&V, and Les Engagés criticized the lack of coordination. The issue was urgently discussed by the Inner Cabinet on Friday morning.
It’s worth recalling that on the day of Netanyahu's arrival in Budapest, the Hungarian government announced the start of its withdrawal from the International Criminal Court.
Orban called the court politicized due to the warrant issued against Netanyahu. Despite the withdrawal, Hungary is still obligated to comply with ICC decisions until the process is formally completed.
It was previously reported that on March 17, 2023, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Presidential Commissioner for Children's Rights Maria Lvova-Belova. They are accused of the unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children during the war. Putin became the first leader of a permanent UN Security Council member state to be targeted by an ICC arrest warrant.