BY: Dr. Hana Saada
Algiers, Algeria | December 13th, 2024 — France, a nation historically claiming to champion the values of liberty, equality, and fraternity, has demonstrated a troubling pattern in its foreign policy: a willingness to abandon these ideals when it suits its political and economic objectives. The latest incident that has put this contradiction in the spotlight is France’s about-face on its support for the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrants for Zionist officials accused of war crimes in Gaza.
On November 21, 2023, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Zionist Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of committing war crimes in the ongoing Gaza war. Initially, France’s diplomatic rhetoric was clear: it expressed firm support for the ICC, reaffirming its commitment to international law and justice. French officials, including Prime Minister Barnier, indicated that France would uphold its obligations and arrest the accused Zionist officials if they entered French territory. This was seen as a rare moment of European solidarity in the fight for justice and accountability in the face of blatant violations of international law.
However, this commitment was shockingly short-lived. Just days after these statements, in late November, Paris began shifting its stance, providing a clear example of how realpolitik trumps principles when it comes to its interests. France’s commitment to international law crumbled as soon as a potential diplomatic advantage emerged in the form of an opportunity to mediate a ceasefire deal between the Zionist entity and Lebanon. In a phone call between French President Emmanuel Macron and Zionist Prime Minister Netanyahu, Macron inexplicably suggested that the arrest warrants issued by the ICC did not apply to Netanyahu, citing immunity.
This swift reversal from commitment to international justice to providing immunity for Netanyahu underscores France’s long-standing pattern of double standards in its foreign policy. The French government’s sudden insistence on diplomatic immunity for Netanyahu, despite his indictment for war crimes, revealed the hypocrisy at the core of France’s approach to international law. It became evident that when faced with the chance to secure political leverage and expand its influence, particularly in its former colonies and in the Middle East, France would prioritize its own interests over the pursuit of justice.
The political implications of France’s flip-flop were immediately felt both within the European Union and in its former colonies. Countries like Hungary, Austria, and the Czech Republic had already expressed their intention to disregard the ICC’s warrants, while Spain, the Netherlands, and France initially voiced their support for international law. Yet, when the prospect of furthering France’s geopolitical ambitions arose, international legal commitments took a back seat. The stark contrast between France’s statements in support of justice and its eventual actions in favor of maintaining its historical ties to Israel raises critical questions about the true nature of its foreign policy.
Within the Arab world, France’s actions sparked outrage. Media outlets across the region highlighted the hypocrisy of France’s position. Lebanese newspaper L’Orient-Le Jour questioned France’s claim to support international law, noting the inconsistency in its actions. In Tunisia, Tunisie Numérique lamented that France had lost its diplomatic objectivity. In Algeria, where the historical scars of French colonialism are still deeply felt, the shift in France’s position was seen as a blatant disregard for international justice. Algerian media outlets called out the hypocrisy, pointing to France’s long-standing record of sacrificing principles when it suits its political or economic interests.
Even within France, the decision to protect Netanyahu from arrest was met with criticism. Julian Fernandez, a law professor at the Panthéon-Assas University, pointed out that France’s inconsistent application of international law would damage its credibility. He warned that this shift in policy would undermine France’s reputation as a champion of justice and human rights.
This rapid policy shift is not a unique incident but part of a broader trend in French diplomacy. Under the leadership of Emmanuel Macron, France has repeatedly compromised on its principles to maintain influence in former colonies and secure strategic alliances, particularly in the Middle East and Africa. France’s stance on international law seems to be flexible, with its principles subject to the whims of political necessity.
The contradiction between France’s public support for international justice and its behind-the-scenes negotiations with the Zionist entity reveals a deeper truth: for France, political and economic interests often take precedence over the values it claims to uphold. When it comes to securing power or advancing its geopolitical goals, France is more than willing to trade in the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity.
This hypocrisy is not just a failure of diplomacy; it is a betrayal of the ideals that France has long proclaimed to represent. The French government’s willingness to sacrifice international law to further its own interests is a dangerous precedent that undermines global efforts to uphold justice and accountability.
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