France Defends Allowing Netanyahu's Plane Overflight Amid ICC Warrant

France on Thursday defended its decision to permit Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plane to fly over its territory en route to New York, stating that the International Criminal Court's (ICC) arrest warrant against him did not legally prevent the overflight. "The authorization was granted in full compliance with international law," said Pascal Confavreux, spokesperson for the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He explained that the Rome Statute, the ICC's founding treaty, does not impose obligations regarding state aircraft carrying individuals subject to an arrest warrant flying over a signatory's territory. France, a signatory to the Rome Statute, is obligated to cooperate with the ICC, including arresting wanted individuals entering its territory. However, Paris had previously asserted in 2024 that Netanyahu held immunity, as Israel is not a party to the Rome Statute.

The ICC issued arrest warrants in November 2024 for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the war in Gaza. Israel rejects these allegations, maintaining its military operations adhere to international law. Flight tracking data showed Netanyahu's official aircraft, the Knaf Zion, flew over Greece, Italy, and then France on Thursday before heading to the U.S. Italy's Foreign Ministry could not immediately confirm if Israel had formally requested overflight permission.

This flight path contrasts with Netanyahu's trip to New York last year, when his plane took a significantly longer route to avoid the airspace of several European countries, including France. At that time, a French diplomatic official indicated that Israel had requested and received overflight permission but ultimately chose a different route. Netanyahu arrived in New York on Thursday morning to attend the United Nations General Assembly. His U.S. visit is expected to be brief, with a return to Israel planned before Shabbat and the Sukkot holiday.