G7 to omit direct mention of ICC arrest warrant for Netanyahu, says ‘no equivalence’ between Israel and Hamas

FIUGGI, Italy — A joint statement of Group of Seven foreign ministers is set to avoid mentioning the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite an effort by the Italian hosts to find a common position on it.

Italy, which currently chairs the G7, said yesterday it wanted to try to forge a common positiona bout the ICC arrest warrant at a two-day meeting it hosted in the spa town of Fiuggi which ends today.

A draft of the final statement due to emerge from the discussions, reviewed by Reuters, doesn’t directly name the ICC and its decisions.

“In exercising its right to defend itself, Israel must fully comply with its obligations under international law in all circumstances, including International Humanitarian Law,” it says.

“We reiterate our commitment to International Humanitarian Law and will comply with our respective obligations,” the statement adds, stressing “that there can be no equivalence between the terrorist group Hamas and the State of Israel.”