French President Emmanuel Macron has urged a suspension of arms shipments to Israel intended for operations in Gaza, a move that has drawn immediate backlash from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In a recent interview with France Inter radio, Macron emphasized the need to prioritize a political solution, urging an end to the delivery of weapons intended for use in Gaza.
The French president expressed his ongoing concern during a summit in Paris on Saturday regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which persists despite numerous calls for a ceasefire. He also voiced criticism of Israel’s decision to deploy ground troops into Lebanon.
Netanyahu responded firmly, stating, “Shame on them,” in reference to Macron and other Western leaders who have advocated for what he characterized as an arms embargo against Israel.
In a recent video statement, Netanyahu asserted that “Israel will win with or without their support,” condemning calls for an arms embargo as “a disgrace.”
In a recent interview with a French broadcaster, recorded on Tuesday and aired on Saturday, President Macron stated, “France is not delivering any” weapons to Israel.
He stated, “I believe our voices are going unheard.”
He expressed concern, stating that it represents a misstep, particularly regarding Israel’s security. He further noted that the ongoing conflict is fostering an environment of “hatred.”
Macron emphasized the importance of preventing further escalation in Lebanon, stating that it is a “priority” and asserting that “Lebanon cannot become a new Gaza.”
In a statement, Netanyahu’s office asserted that nations failing to align with Israel were effectively endorsing Iran along with its allies and proxies.
In a recent statement, Netanyahu emphasized the need for solidarity among civilized nations as Israel confronts what he described as the forces of barbarism spearheaded by Iran. He called for unwavering support for Israel during these challenging times.
President Macron, along with other Western leaders, is advocating for arms embargoes targeting Israel. They are targeted with criticism.
Macron’s office subsequently stated that France remains a “steadfast friend of Israel,” emphasizing that Netanyahu’s response was “excessive and detached from the friendship between France and Israel.”
During a speech in Paris on Saturday, President Macron addressed the ongoing situation in Lebanon, noting that both the United States and France had advocated for a ceasefire. He expressed disappointment, stating, “I regret that Prime Minister Netanyahu has made another choice and has taken this responsibility, in particular, for ground operations on Lebanese soil.”
Macron announced his plans to meet with the families of Franco-Israelis currently held hostage in Gaza this coming Monday, reinforcing Israel’s entitlement to self-defense.
On Monday, the world will observe the first anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel that occurred on October 7, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals and the abduction of 251 others. Since then, over 41,000 people have lost their lives in the territory, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza.
