France to Maintain Relationship with Netanyahu Despite ICC Warrant
Paris made its decision just hours after an agreement was reached between Israel and Hezbollah to stop hostilities in Lebanon.
France announced on Wednesday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had immunity because Israel was not a party to the statutes of the International Criminal Court (ICC) seeking his arrest. They stated they would continue to work closely with Netanyahu.
Member countries of the ICC, like France, are required to detain suspects with a warrant if they step on their soil, but the court cannot compel them to do so. Since Israel is not a signatory to the court, Paris took nearly a week to define its position on Netanyahu after arrest warrants were issued by the court.
Despite initial intentions to adhere to the ICC statutes, France noted the court’s decision simply formalized an accusation. Paris took action amid concerns that Israel could disrupt ceasefire efforts between the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
France’s foreign ministry explained that they would honor their international obligations and that the Rome Statute stated that a country could not be required to act against its obligations concerning the immunities of states not part of the ICC.
France stated their commitment to peace and security in the Middle East through close collaboration with Israel and Netanyahu. The ICC had issued arrest warrants earlier accusing Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant of crimes against humanity related to a war in Gaza.
The statement from the French ministry highlighted the historic friendship between France and Israel, emphasizing the commitment to the rule of law.
The ICC’s issued arrest warrants accused Netanyahu and Gallant of using starvation as a method of warfare and targeting civilians in Gaza. Israeli officials deny these charges.
A cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah went into effect after an agreement brokered by the US and France was accepted by both sides. Netanyahu presented the agreement to his cabinet for approval.
The cease-fire ends more than a year of attacks and operations, with plans for Israel to evacuate Lebanese territory and for the Lebanese army to secure the area. Lebanon also committed to continue destroying Hezbollah’s fortifications near the Israeli border.
The war in Lebanon started after terrorist attacks by Hamas in 2023 and has continued alongside conflicts in Gaza.
Reuters contributed to this report.
