France said on Wednesday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had immunity given that his country was not party to the statutes of the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has issued arrest warrants against him, a statement from the Élysée Palace said.
The statement reiterated that France would respect its international obligations and understood that the Rome Statute requires full cooperation with the ICC. It noted, "A State cannot be required to act in a manner inconsistent with its obligations under international law with respect to the immunities of the States not party to the ICC."
"Such immunities apply to Prime Minister Netanyahu and the other ministers concerned and must be taken into account should the ICC request their arrest and surrender."
The Élysée Palace emphasized the "historic friendship" between France and Israel, along with their democracies and respect for independent judiciaries.
"France intends to continue to work closely with Prime Minister Netanyahu and the other Israeli authorities to achieve peace and security for all in the Middle East."
Earlier on Wednesday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot told Franceinfo radio on Wednesday morning that "certain leaders" may be immune from prosecution by the International Criminal Court (ICC), as per the Rome Statute.
When asked if French authorities would arrest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he landed in France, Barrot said France was "very committed to international justice and will apply international law."
"France would apply as always international law," he noted, adding it is "ultimately up to the judicial authorities to decide."
Barrot affirmed the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, which came into effect on Wednesday morning, was the basis for creating conditions that would ensure security for Israel's North and southern Lebanon.
This, he said, would require a "massive" deployment of Lebanese forces, justifying Israel's withdrawal from the area.
The ceasefire, the deployment of Lebanese forces along with UNIFIL, and the strengthening of the Lebanese state would ensure that Hezbollah disarms from its weapons, Barrot told the French radio.
Lebanon's political echelon
He noted the role of the political echelon in Lebanon, which would have to elect a president who would appoint a government, enabling the Lebanese military to exercise the "monopoly of strength" in the country.
Barrot further expressed hopes that a ceasefire would also be achieved in the Gaza Strip.
This is a developing story.