PARIS—The French government cast doubt on whether it would arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu under warrants issued by the International Criminal Court last week, suggesting that the Israeli leader might have immunity,

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.

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.