France joins Argentina and Hungary in saying they won’t execute the International Criminal Court’s warrants.

On Wednesday, Paris argued that 'immunities apply' to the Israeli prime minister. The French statement, which undermines the Court's authority, outraged human rights defenders.

Provisions for immunity from prosecution at the International Criminal Court apply to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the French foreign ministry said Wednesday.

The Rome Statute has abolished immunities for senior state officials, including heads of state, but some countries attempt to defy the rule for political convenience

France said on Wednesday it believed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had immunity to actions by the International Criminal Court which is seeking his arrest for alleged war crimes in Gaza, given Israel has not signed up to the court statutes.

The French Foreign Ministry announced its belief that Israeli leaders whom the International Criminal Court have issued arrest warrants for over alleged war crimes in Gaza actually have “immunities” from such prosecution.

France believes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could have immunity from an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court because Israel is not a member of the organisation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister Yoav Gallant are wanted men under an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court last week —but France could still be a safe place for them to visit.

The French foreign ministry says it will continue to work closely with the Israeli prime minister due to the "friendship" between the two nations. View on euronews