G7 seeks unity on ICC arrest warrant for Netanyahu

“We need to stand together on this,” Tajani said after hosting the first working session of a two-day meeting of foreign ministers from the G7 nations.

Tajani, part of a coalition government that has itself proved divided on the ICC issue, said he wanted the G7 to speak with one voice.

“We have talked about it, let’s see if we can get a part in the final communique dedicated to this, we are working to find an agreement,” Tajani added.

Last Thursday, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu, his former defense chief Yoav Gallant, as well as a Hamas leader, Ibrahim Al-Masri, for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza conflict.

Israel condemned the decision as shameful and absurd.

Tajani said he invited colleagues from Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar to attend the G7 meeting in Fiuggi, a spa town about 80 kilometers (50 miles) southeast of Rome.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said discussions were taking place as prospects for a breakthrough Lebanon ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah were growing.

“We are currently discussing with our partners from the Gulf states and the Arab world how in this situation we can at least maybe solve one of the big challenges, the situation in Lebanon, and finally achieve a ceasefire,” she said.

“Momentum now appears to be closer than it was a few days or even a few weeks ago,” Baerbock added.

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