France reaffirms its commitment to the Rome Statute and ICC cooperation but insists that international law upholds the immunity of leaders from non-signatory states, including Prime Minister Netanyahu. It pledges to consider these immunities if arrests are requested, while emphasizing its historic ties with Israel and continued collaboration for peace and security.
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"France will respect its international obligations, it being understood that the Rome Statute requires full cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC) and also provides that a State cannot be required to act in a manner incompatible with its obligations under international law with regard to the immunities of States not party to the ICC. Such immunities apply to Prime Minister Netanyahu and the other ministers concerned and will have to be taken into consideration if the ICC were to request their arrest and surrender.
In accordance with the historic friendship between France and Israel, two democracies committed to the rule of law and respect for a professional and independent justice system, France intends to continue to work closely with Prime Minister Netanyahu and other Israeli authorities to achieve peace and security for all in the Middle East."