France Says Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu Has ‘Immunity’ From ICC Warrants

France Says Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu Has ‘Immunity’ From ICC Warrants

France has declared that Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is covered by immunity rules that apply to states not party to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Israel is not an ICC member, and this position has sparked mixed reactions.

“A state cannot be held to act in a way that is incompatible with its obligations in terms of international law with regards to immunities granted to states which are not party to the ICC,” the French foreign ministry stated.

The statement further clarified, “Such immunities apply to Prime Minister Netanyahu and other ministers in question, and must be taken into consideration should the ICC ask us to arrest them and hand them over.”

Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said France would follow international law but noted the ICC statute “deals with questions of immunity for certain leaders.”

He emphasised that it is “ultimately up to the judicial authorities to decide.”

The ICC had recently issued warrants for Netanyahu, former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif.

Netanyahu had criticised the move, while EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell declared the warrants “binding.”

However, France’s cautious stance on enforcement has drawn criticism. Amnesty International called the position “deeply problematic,” urging France to prioritise its obligations under the Rome Statute.

French Green party leader Marine Tondelier accused the government of prioritising diplomatic ties over justice, calling the stance “shameful.”

Meanwhile, Barrot praised France’s role in brokering the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, which requires an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, replaced by Lebanese armed forces.