France believes that Netanyahu benefits from “immunity” and the controversy grows

The violins were not completely in agreement regarding the arrest warrant issued against Benyamin Netanyahu by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Prime Minister Michel Barnier indicated on Tuesday that France would “rigorously apply, as it has always done, its obligations under international law”, suggesting that the Israeli Prime Minister could be worried if he came to Hexagon. But the Quai d'Orsay clarified the position of French diplomacy this Wednesday by estimating, in a press release, that he benefits from “immunity”.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs invokes the obligations provided for in international law linked to “immunities of States not parties to the ICC”, which is the case of Israel. It adds that “such immunities apply to Prime Minister Netanyahu and other ministers affected” by a court arrest warrant. These immunities “will have to be taken into consideration if the ICC were to ask us for their arrest and surrender,” the press release continues. An article of the 1998 Rome Statute establishing the ICC addresses the question of the immunity of leaders of countries that do not recognize the court, even if it can lend itself to various interpretations.

“Continue to work closely with Netanyahu”

“France intends to continue to work in close collaboration with Prime Minister Netanyahu and other Israeli authorities to achieve peace and security for all in the Middle East,” concludes the Quai d'Orsay. The French Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot had already mentioned, a little earlier Wednesday, on France Infos, possible “questions of immunity” for “certain leaders” targeted by an ICC mandate, without then going into further detail. details. “It is ultimately up to the judicial authority to decide,” he then added.

Strong reactions on the left

The head of the Ecologists Marine Tondelier on Wednesday described as “shame” the “immunity” enjoyed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in France. “France is once again complying with the demands of Benyamin Netanyahu by choosing him rather than international justice,” she denounced on cited in the official announcement of the ceasefire in Lebanon published jointly by France and the United States yesterday,” added Marine Tondelier.

“Isn't it more like 'impunity'? », Asked the coordinator of France insoumise Manuel Bompard on the social network.