The French foreign ministry released a statement on Wednesday regarding the International Criminal Court's (ICC) arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The ministry clarified that immunity rules that apply to states not party to the ICC also cover Prime Minister Netanyahu.
France emphasized its commitment to upholding international obligations, including cooperation with the ICC. However, the ministry stated that such cooperation cannot conflict with its obligations under international law concerning the immunities of states not part of the ICC.
The statement highlighted that these immunities extend to Prime Minister Netanyahu and other relevant ministers, and they will be considered accordingly.
While France reiterated its intent to fulfill its international legal obligations, it did not specify whether it would arrest Netanyahu should he visit the country.
It is important to note that the foreign ministry's announcement coincided with the implementation of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, facilitated by France and the United States.
The ICC recently issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes related to the conflict in Gaza. Additionally, a Hamas commander allegedly killed in an Israeli airstrike was also indicted by the court.
The ICC stated that there are 'reasonable grounds' to believe that Netanyahu holds criminal responsibility for the war crimes in question.
