France says ICC immunity rules cover Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is covered by immunities from prosecution at the International Criminal Court, the French foreign ministry says,
adding that it would take that fact into account if it was asked to arrest the premier and his former defense minister.

In a statement, the ministry reaffirms its commitment to international justice, but also says that immunity rules that apply to states that are not a party to the ICC cover the Israeli leader. Israel is not an ICC member.

“Such immunities apply to Prime Minister Netanyahu and other relevant ministers and will need to be taken into consideration should the ICC request their arrest and surrender,” the ministry says.

Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant are wanted by the ICC on war crimes allegations. Both Israel and the US have dismissed the case as spurious.