France: French President Emmanuel Macron has urged an immediate halt to arms deliveries to Israel for use in Gaza, igniting swift backlash from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Macron emphasised the need for a political solution, stating that, “The priority is that we return to a political solution, that we stop delivering weapons to fight in Gaza.”
During a summit in Paris, Macron expressed concerns over the ongoing violence in Gaza, even in light of calls for a ceasefire. The President criticised Israel’s recent ground troop deployments in Lebanon, stating that “avoiding escalation in Lebanon is a priority” and insisted that “Lebanon cannot become a new Gaza.”
Netanyahu, responding to Macron’s remarks, condemned the French president and other Western leaders who have advocated for an arms embargo on Israel. Netanyahu asserted that, “Israel will win with or without their support.”
Macron clarified that France is not supplying any weapons to Israel and expressed his belief that the current conflict further increases hatred. He stressed, “I think we are not being heard,” and emphasized that continuing the arms flow could compromise Israel’s security.
In reaction to Macron’s stance, Netanyahu’s office stated that nations not supporting Israel effectively back Iran and its allies. “As Israel fights the forces of barbarism led by Iran, all civilised countries should be standing firmly by Israel’s side,” Netanyahu remarked.
Macron’s office later reaffirmed France’s commitment as a “steadfast friend of Israel,” characterising Netanyahu’s response as “excessive and detached from the friendship between France and Israel.”
As tensions heightened, Macron also mentioned that he would meet with families of Franco-Israelis held hostage in Gaza, marking the first anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, which resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities and 251 kidnappings. According to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, over 41,000 individuals have died in the territory since the conflict began.
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