Official G7 communications or joint statements

France Signals Netanyahu and Gallant May Have Immunity from ICC Warrants Amid G7 Talks

Nov 26, 2024, 10:30 PM

The International Criminal Court (ICC) recently issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. In response, the Group of Seven (G7) nations are seeking a unified stance on the matter, with foreign ministers meeting in Italy. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot initially stated that France would respect its international obligations under the ICC. However, on Wednesday, he indicated that certain leaders might have immunity from prosecution under the Rome Statute, which established the ICC, suggesting that Netanyahu and Gallant could be exempt because Israel is not a party to the court. French officials Michel Barnier and Yael Braun-Pivet also affirmed that France would apply its international obligations, with Braun-Pivet stating that France must apply ICC rules. Additionally, Netanyahu expressed his dissatisfaction to French President Emmanuel Macron over the phone, urging France not to apply the arrest warrant. Macron responded that France would respect international law. Notably, the United States, a G7 member, does not recognize the ICC and is not obliged to comply with its decisions. The G7 foreign ministers discussed the situation but did not explicitly mention the ICC warrants in their joint statement.