France to implement international law regarding ICC warrant for Netanyahu

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said Sunday that France would adhere to international law regarding the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“France is committed to international justice and its independence,” Barrot stated during an interview with France 3 TV channel.

He reiterated France’s stance that Israel has the right to defend itself but must do so within the framework of international law. Barrot condemned actions that violate international law, such as blocking humanitarian aid, bombing civilians, forcibly displacing people, and establishing colonies in the West Bank.

“Each time Israel violates international law, we strongly condemn these actions,” Barrot added.

When asked if he supported the ICC’s arrest warrant for Netanyahu, Barrot responded, “I cannot put myself in the position of the court in any circumstance.” He noted that the ICC’s warrant represented “the formalization of the accusation against certain politicians.”

Regarding the possibility of Netanyahu’s arrest if he visited France, Barrot affirmed, “France will always apply international law.”

The ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Thursday, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Israel has been engaged in a military campaign against Gaza since a cross-border attack by Hamas in October 2023, which resulted in the deaths of over 44,000 people, primarily women and children. Additionally, Israel has conducted airstrikes against what it claims are Hezbollah targets in Lebanon.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice regarding its actions in Gaza.