France Declares ICC Arrest Warrant for Netanyahu Invalid

France Declares ICC Arrest Warrant for Netanyahu Invalid

France has stated that the arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant are invalid, as Israel is not a member of the ICC.

On November 21, the ICC issued arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant, accusing them of responsibility for alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes during Israel’s recent military actions in Gaza. The decision drew mixed reactions from European leaders, with many expressing their intention to adhere to the ICC ruling, potentially arresting Netanyahu if he enters their territories.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, however, openly defied this stance, declaring that Hungary would not arrest Netanyahu and instead inviting him as an honored guest.

France initially indicated support for the ICC decision but has since taken a more nuanced position. In a statement from its Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, France argued that the arrest warrant could not be enforced due to Israel’s non-membership in the ICC.

“This type of immunity applies to heads of state and other ministers. If the ICC formally requests us to act on these warrants, it will require careful consideration,” the ministry stated.

The development reflects growing divisions among European nations regarding the enforcement of ICC decisions, particularly in cases involving leaders of non-member states like Israel.