In brief
On November 27, 2024, France’s foreign ministry implied that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would not face immediate arrest if he visited France, despite a warrant from the International Criminal Court (I.C.C.). While not explicitly allowing his travel, the ministry indicated that rules regarding diplomatic immunity may protect Netanyahu from arrest. The I.C.C. had issued warrants against Netanyahu and his former defense minister, accusing them of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity during Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
In its statement, the French ministry reiterated its commitment to international obligations, stating that while there is a requirement for cooperation with the I.C.C., considerations regarding the immunities of leaders from non-member states to the court are also paramount. The ministry highlighted that such immunities would be factored into decisions regarding any arrest requests from the I.C.C.France’s position contrasts with some nations, such as Ireland, which have pledged to arrest Netanyahu if he sets foot on their soil. Meanwhile, others like Italy have expressed concerns about the practicality and legality of carrying out such arrests. Although President Emmanuel Macron and Netanyahu's relationship has been tense, France has sought to mitigate regional conflicts, notably in Lebanon, recently assisting in brokering a cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah.
