Official announcements from the French government or news reports

France Declares Netanyahu, Gallant Immune from ICC Arrest Warrants

Nov 27, 2024, 01:25 PM

France's Foreign Ministry has announced that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is entitled to immunity from prosecution under the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant, citing Israel's non-membership in the Rome Statute that established the ICC. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated that such immunities apply to certain leaders, including Netanyahu, and France will not execute the ICC's arrest warrant against him. This announcement comes after the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. France emphasized its respect for the ICC but clarified that immunity provisions under international law would be considered in such cases. The decision has sparked debates regarding France's obligations as a signatory to the Rome Statute and its implications for international law.