Paris: French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated on Wednesday that certain leaders might have immunity under the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the International Criminal Court (ICC). His comments followed the issuance of arrest warrants by the ICC for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
According to Anadolu Agency, Barrot, when interviewed on Franceinfo radio, was asked whether France would arrest Netanyahu if he entered French territory. He did not provide a definitive response but affirmed France’s commitment to international justice. He stated that France “will apply international law based on its obligations to cooperate with the ICC.’ However, Barrot noted that the Rome Statute “deals with questions of immunity for certain leaders,” adding that such matters ultimately rest with judicial authorities.
Barrot’s remarks are significant as they represent the first acknowledgment by a senior French official of possible immunity considerations.
Meanwhile, France’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement emphasizing the country’s dedication to honoring international commitments under the Rome Statute. It stated, “France will respect its international obligations, understanding that the Rome Statute requires full cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC).”
The statement highlighted that “a state cannot be required to act in a manner inconsistent with its obligations under international law regarding the immunities of states that are not parties to the ICC.” It further noted that these immunities “apply to Prime Minister Netanyahu and other concerned ministers and must be taken into account if the ICC were to request their arrest and surrender.”
The ministry reiterated France’s intent to maintain its longstanding friendship with Israel, stating, “In accordance with the historic friendship between France and Israel, two democracies committed to the rule of law and the respect of professional and independent justice, France intends to continu
e working closely with Prime Minister Netanyahu and other Israeli authorities to achieve peace and security for all in the Middle East.”
The ICC had recently issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant, citing “crimes against humanity and war crimes committed from at least 8 October 2023 until at least 20 May 2024” in Gaza. The Rome Statute’s Article 27 indicates that immunity does not exempt individuals from the court’s jurisdiction, while Article 98 emphasizes that states must respect international obligations related to diplomatic immunity.
In addition to the ICC-related developments, Barrot praised France’s role in brokering a cease-fire between Israel and Lebanon, which took effect early Wednesday, alongside the US. The agreement includes provisions for the Israeli military’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon within 60 days and the deployment of Lebanese armed forces. Barrot described the cease-fire as a “major success for France” and expressed hope that it could lead to much-needed reforms in Leba
non.