### France Acknowledges Netanyahu’s Immunity from ICC Prosecution

France's foreign ministry has confirmed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is shielded by immunity provisions against prosecution by the International Criminal Court (ICC). This announcement comes in the wake of the ICC issuing arrest warrants for Netanyahu, along with former defense minister Yoav Gallant, on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to Israel's actions in Gaza.

In its statement on Wednesday, the French foreign ministry highlighted that Netanyahu benefits from immunity rules applicable to states not party to the ICC, which includes Israel. The ministry explained that international legal obligations grant certain immunities to states outside the ICC's jurisdiction, which must be honored if the court requests his arrest and extradition.

Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot reiterated that France is a staunch supporter of international justice and will fulfill its obligations to cooperate with the ICC. Nonetheless, he acknowledged that the court’s statutes address immunity for certain leaders, leaving the ultimate decision to judicial authorities.

Recent actions by the ICC have led to a broader debate, with the court issuing warrants not only for Netanyahu and Gallant but also Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif. Netanyahu has publicly condemned these warrants. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell stated that arrest warrants issued by the ICC are binding and should be executed, although France has so far adopted a more reserved stance.

Barrot's remarks marked the first time a senior French official has openly discussed the topic of potential immunity for Netanyahu. Unconfirmed reports suggest that Netanyahu has sought French President Emmanuel Macron's assurance against enforcing the ICC decision during recent phone conversations.

France has also played a pivotal role in negotiating peace efforts in the Middle East, most recently collaborating with the United States to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. This ceasefire, which began on Wednesday, mandates the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon to be replaced by Lebanese armed forces, a move seen as a significant diplomatic achievement.

However, France's position on immunity for Netanyahu has met with strong reactions. Amnesty International criticized it as contrary to France’s obligations as an ICC member. The French Green Party leader, Marine Tondelier, suggested that France's stance might be influenced by diplomatic agreements with Israel.

In the midst of these controversies, Barrot hailed the recent ceasefire as a notable success for French diplomacy, hopeful that it would pave the way for reform in Lebanon after prolonged turmoil. He affirmed France's commitment to contributing fully to the new arrangement in southern Lebanon.