Romanian PM invites Netanyahu to Bucharest for joint government meeting despite ICC arrest warrant

On January 19, Romania's Prime Minister, Marcel Ciolacu, has extended an invitation to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a joint meeting of the two countries' governments in Bucharest. 

Ciolacu stated on X that preparations are underway for the joint government meeting in Bucharest, Caliber.Az reports.

Highlighting the strategic importance of Romania-Israel relations, Ciolacu stated, "We will continue our joint efforts to enhance peace and security while advancing various economic and security initiatives agreed upon with Prime Minister Netanyahu. 

The invitation comes in the wake of the International Criminal Court (ICC) issuing an arrest warrant for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Galant over alleged war crimes in the Gaza Strip.

Earlier this month, on January 9, former ICC President Piotr Hofmański criticized Poland's decision not to detain Netanyahu during his visit to commemorate the anniversary of Auschwitz's liberation. Hofmański warned that failing to adhere to ICC mandates could undermine the court's credibility and purpose on the global stage.

Meanwhile, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna emphasized on January 8 that Estonia must uphold the ICC's decisions, describing political interference in the court's rulings as unacceptable.

The ICC's decision has also sparked debate within the broader Western alliance. The Financial Times previously reported on November 25 that the arrest warrant for Netanyahu and Galant risked causing divisions among Western nations. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani subsequently called for a unified stance from G7 countries regarding the ICC's actions.

The ICC issued the arrest warrants on November 21, alleging that Netanyahu and Galant bear responsibility as civilian leaders for "deliberately targeting a civilian population" during the Gaza conflict. Despite the controversy, Romania's invitation signals a continued commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Israel.

By Aghakazim Guliyev