France has declared that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is protected by immunity rules applicable to states not party to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
This announcement was made by France's foreign ministry, comes in the wake of the ICC issuing warrants for Netanyahu, former Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif earlier this month.
The French government stated, "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."
This position implies that should the ICC request the arrest and extradition of Netanyahu or other Israeli ministers, France would consider these immunities.
This stance has not gone without criticism. Amnesty International has labeled France's position as "deeply problematic," arguing that it contradicts the country's obligations as an ICC member.
Anne Savinel Barras, president of Amnesty International France, emphasized, "Rather than inferring that ICC indictees may enjoy immunity, France should expressly confirm its acceptance of the unequivocal legal duty under the Rome Statute to carry out arrest warrants."
Adding to the domestic backlash, Marine Tondelier, leader of the French Green party, described the government's stance as "shameful," suggesting it might be part of a broader political agreement between French and Israeli leaders.
She speculated, "Surely that was the deal, that France would get a mention in the official statement announcing the ceasefire in Lebanon."
Despite the controversy, France continues to play a pivotal role in Middle East peace efforts, having recently helped broker a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot hailed the ceasefire as a major success, expressing hope for Lebanon's reform after years of crisis.
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