The Italian government has assured Israel that Benjamin Netanyahu would not be arrested if he visited Italy, Israel's foreign minister said on Wednesday during a visit to Rome.
Gideon Saar said he had spoken to Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Justice Minister Carlo Nordio about the arrest warrant issued for Israel's premier by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in November.
"I am not in the habit of reporting what is said, but there is no problem for anyone who comes to Rome, not even for Netanyahu," he added, according to the ANSA and AGI news agencies.
Asked about his remarks later, Tajani told reporters: "There are immunities and immunities must be respected."
The ICC issued warrants for Netanyahu and his former defence minister, Yoav Gallant, on suspicion of crimes against humanity and war crimes in Israel's war on Hamas in Gaza, which followed the Palestinian militant group's deadly October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.
The decision drew furious condemnation from Netanyahu and other Israeli politicians, and Israel said it would appeal.
There were conflicting responses within Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government about whether or not Italy would implement the warrants.
Defence Minister Guido Crosetto initially said that Italy would have to arrest Netanyahu if he visited, but Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini said the premier would be welcome.
The ICC also issued an arrest warrant for Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif. Israel said in early August that it had killed Deif in an air strike in southern Gaza in July.