JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Germany's likely next chancellor Friedrich Merz told Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu that he would invite him to Germany in defiance of an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC), the Israeli prime minister's office said on Monday.

Merz expressed concern over changing relations with Washington under the Trump administration, emphasizing the need for gradual independence from the U.S.

German stocks ended Monday higher in Europe after conservatives led by Friedrich Merz won the national election with promises of pro-growth policies to boost an ailing economy.

The far-right, anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany surged to become the second-largest political force in the country.

Friedrich Merz is set to become the next Chancellor at a time of great tumult at home and abroad, writes John Kampfner.