Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu enjoys “immunity” which “must be taken into account” despite the arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated today.
In its announcement, the French Ministry referred to the obligations under international law regarding “the immunity of countries that are not members of the ICC,” such as Israel.
It also added that “this type of immunity applies to Prime Minister Netanyahu and other ministers” against whom arrest warrants have been issued. “These immunities apply to Prime Minister Netanyahu and other relevant ministers, and they must be taken into account if the ICC requests their arrest and extradition,” the ministry stated.
Earlier, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot had referred to potential “immunity issues” for “certain leaders,” as provided for in the founding statute of the Court.
“France is committed to international justice and will apply international law, as required by its obligation to cooperate with the ICC,” Barrot said in an interview with France Info TV.
However, the French Minister emphasized that the Rome Statute, under which the International Criminal Court was established, “addresses the issue of immunity for certain leaders.”
An article in the Rome Statute mentions the immunity of leaders of countries that do not recognize the Court, but this is open to various interpretations.
Following the announcement of the arrest warrant issued by the ICC against Netanyahu for war crimes and crimes against humanity, Paris reiterated that it will uphold its commitments under international law, although it did not clarify whether it would arrest the Israeli Prime Minister should he visit France.
In contrast, other countries, such as Italy and the UK, have announced they will honor their commitments to the ICC. Furthermore, in a statement, the Group of 7 (G7) emphasized yesterday that “it will fulfill its respective obligations” towards the Court.
The ICC, which Israel is not a member of and which is not recognized by the United States, issued arrest warrants last week against Netanyahu, former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and the head of the armed wing of Palestinian Hamas, Mohammed Deif, for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
