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Monday, Jan 19, 2026
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Romanian Prime Minister Invites Israeli Leader Amid ICC Arrest Warrant Controversy
The Romanian PM extends an invitation to Netanyahu while EU countries face obligations to arrest him due to ICC warrant.
From Strasbourg – The diplomatic tension surrounding an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to escalate.
The situation developed further as Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu extended an invitation to Netanyahu to visit Bucharest, following Polish President Andrzej Duda's request to his government not to arrest Netanyahu if he visited Poland.
The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in November, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity in relation to Israeli operations in Gaza.
These operations have reportedly resulted in over 46,000 casualties, the majority being civilians, including an estimated 18,000 minors.
The ICC, based in The Hague, was established under the 1998 Rome Statute to enforce international law.
While 125 nations are parties to the Statute, including all 27 members of the European Union, notable absences include the United States, Russia, China, and Israel.
Signatory states have a technical obligation to enforce ICC warrants, as reminded by the EU’s then High Representative for Foreign Policy, Josep Borrell.
Despite these legal obligations, political alliances appear to influence actions, as shown by Romania's longstanding relationship with Israel.
Romania maintained diplomatic ties with Israel throughout the Cold War era and relocated its embassy to Jerusalem in 2018. Notably, two of the hostages recently released by Hamas, Romi Gonen and Doron Steinbrecher, have Romanian origins.
These developments follow a ceasefire in Gaza, which began after the recent militant attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. EU Parliament President Roberta Metsola acknowledged the ceasefire in Strasbourg, expressing hope for enduring stability and regional peace.
Romania's step mirrors previous actions by Poland, where President Duda asked Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s government to ensure Netanyahu’s safety during a potential visit for the Auschwitz liberation anniversary.
As of now, Netanyahu reportedly plans to avoid attending the ceremony due to concerns about arrest.
The unfolding diplomatic scenario highlights the complex interplay between international law and long-standing political alliances in Europe.
The situation developed further as Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu extended an invitation to Netanyahu to visit Bucharest, following Polish President Andrzej Duda's request to his government not to arrest Netanyahu if he visited Poland.
The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in November, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity in relation to Israeli operations in Gaza.
These operations have reportedly resulted in over 46,000 casualties, the majority being civilians, including an estimated 18,000 minors.
The ICC, based in The Hague, was established under the 1998 Rome Statute to enforce international law.
While 125 nations are parties to the Statute, including all 27 members of the European Union, notable absences include the United States, Russia, China, and Israel.
Signatory states have a technical obligation to enforce ICC warrants, as reminded by the EU’s then High Representative for Foreign Policy, Josep Borrell.
Despite these legal obligations, political alliances appear to influence actions, as shown by Romania's longstanding relationship with Israel.
Romania maintained diplomatic ties with Israel throughout the Cold War era and relocated its embassy to Jerusalem in 2018. Notably, two of the hostages recently released by Hamas, Romi Gonen and Doron Steinbrecher, have Romanian origins.
These developments follow a ceasefire in Gaza, which began after the recent militant attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. EU Parliament President Roberta Metsola acknowledged the ceasefire in Strasbourg, expressing hope for enduring stability and regional peace.
Romania's step mirrors previous actions by Poland, where President Duda asked Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s government to ensure Netanyahu’s safety during a potential visit for the Auschwitz liberation anniversary.
As of now, Netanyahu reportedly plans to avoid attending the ceremony due to concerns about arrest.
The unfolding diplomatic scenario highlights the complex interplay between international law and long-standing political alliances in Europe.
