Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sharply criticized French President Emmanuel Macron for advocating a halt to arms deliveries to Israel amid ongoing tensions in Gaza.
In a recent radio interview, Macron emphasized the need for a return to political solutions, stating that “the priority is that we stop delivering weapons to fight in Gaza.” His remarks came during a summit in Paris where he expressed deep concerns about the persistent violence in the region, despite international calls for a ceasefire. Macron also condemned Israel’s deployment of ground troops into Lebanon, highlighting the urgent need to prevent further escalation.
Netanyahu responded with strong language, denouncing Macron and other Western leaders advocating for an arms embargo as “shameful.” In a statement to the press, he asserted, “Israel will win with or without their support,” characterizing the call for an embargo as “a disgrace.”
During his interview, Macron clarified that France currently is not supplying arms to Israel and expressed frustration at being overlooked in the discourse. He described the ongoing conflict as fostering “hatred” and labeled the circumstances as detrimental to Israel’s security. Macron further stressed the critical nature of avoiding escalation in Lebanon, insisting that “Lebanon cannot become a new Gaza.”
In a reaction to Macron’s statements, Netanyahu’s office declared that any nation failing to support Israel is inadvertently backing Iran and its affiliates. Netanyahu emphasized, “As Israel combats the forces of barbarism led by Iran, all civilized nations should stand firmly by Israel’s side.” He reiterated his disapproval of Macron’s stance, calling it shameful.
Macron’s office countered, asserting France’s commitment as a “steadfast friend of Israel” and described Netanyahu’s criticism as exaggerated and disconnected from the historical ties between the two nations.
At the 19th Francophonie Summit, Macron acknowledged the calls for a ceasefire from both the United States and France but expressed disappointment over Netanyahu’s decision to increase military operations in Lebanon. Nonetheless, he reaffirmed Israel’s right to self-defense and plans to meet with families of Franco-Israelis held hostage in Gaza as the first anniversary of Hamas’s attack on Israel approaches—a tragic event that resulted in the loss of around 1,200 lives and left 251 individuals taken hostage. Meanwhile, the health ministry in Gaza reports over 40,000 fatalities in the region since that tragic day.
