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France Grants Netanyahu ICC Immunity Amid Lebanon-Hezbollah Ceasefire Deal

Nov 27, 2024, 04:16 PM

France has announced that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is immune from arrest under an ICC warrant if he enters the country. This decision was reportedly tied to the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. According to Israeli and French sources, Israel conditioned France's involvement in the ceasefire negotiations on granting Netanyahu immunity. The move has sparked controversy, with some reports suggesting that France's position was a concession to ensure the ceasefire deal, while others claim it was an Israeli demand during the negotiations. The ceasefire agreement followed escalating tensions and violence in Lebanon involving Israeli forces and Hezbollah. The decision also aligns with France's interpretation of the Rome Statute, which governs the ICC.