Italian government: Netanyahu has immunity from ICC prosecution

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, who arrived on a visit to Rome, met with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Italy Antonio Tajani and Italian Justice Minister Carlo Nordio.

According to Israel Hayom, during these meetings the interlocutors assured the Israeli politician that, after consulting with lawyers, they came to the conclusion that top officials, including heads of government, are immune from prosecution by the International Criminal Court.

They noted that Israel has not signed the Rome Statute and thus does not accept the jurisdiction of this court. Italian politicians emphasized that the immunity of top officials is based on the Vienna Convention. Thus, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not be detained on Italian soil.