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France invokes immunity for Israeli Prime Minister
As argued by their international obligations and laws, French authorities had declared the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu immune to war crimes issued by International Criminal Court as warrants that place him at the fore regarding the criminal charges raised between him and former Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The last who got included into the court due was Hamas’ military leader Mohamed Deif.
French Foreign Ministry clarifies legal stance
The French Foreign Ministry emphasized that states not party to the ICC, such as Israel, are immune under international law. A spokesperson said, “Immunity rules for non-ICC member states apply to Netanyahu and other officials in question.” They added that these rules would guide France’s decision if an ICC request for Netanyahu’s arrest arises.
Uncertainty over enforcement
Questioned if France would arrest Netanyahu upon arrival, Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot remained evasive. He said France was committed to international law and the mission of the ICC but said exemptions exist for some leaders. “The judiciary will ultimately decide on such matters,” Barrot said, as France treads cautiously.
Conflict with ICC statutes
While Article 27 of the Rome Statute rejects immunity claims to protect ICC jurisdiction, Article 98 prevents states from acting inconsistently with their international legal obligations, which include respecting diplomatic immunity. This contradiction complicates enforcement.
Backlash from activists and politicians
Amnesty International also condemned France’s stance as “deeply problematic.” The President of Amnesty International France, Anne Savinel Barras, urged Paris to reaffirm its legal obligation to execute ICC arrest warrants. French Green Party leader Marine Tondelier criticized the political motivations of such a move, pointing to diplomatic agreements with Israel.
Netanyahu’s reaction and Lebanon ceasefire
Netanyahu reportedly raised his concerns over the warrants during his call with French President Emmanuel Macron. France was involved at the time in mediating the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire deal that obliges Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon and deploy Lebanese forces.
France’s broader diplomatic role
Foreign Minister Barrot hailed the ceasefire as successful, saying France’s diplomatic endeavor is to stabilize the area. He voiced hope over Lebanon’s reform after this long crisis era, when he said, “France will fully support this transitional phase.
Way Forward
France’s stance on Netanyahu’s immunity underlines the challenges of balancing international justice with diplomatic obligations. While criticism mounts, the decision underscores broader tensions within global governance and the limits of the ICC’s reach.
