Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sharply criticised French President Emmanuel Macron after he (Macron) called for a halt in arms deliveries to Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Macron made his remarks in an interview with France Inter radio, stressing that the priority should be a return to a political solution and an end to the delivery of weapons to Israel for use in Gaza.
Speaking at a summit in Paris on Saturday, Macron reiterated his concerns about the escalating violence, criticizing Israel’s decision to send ground troops into Lebanon despite calls for a ceasefire. He added that avoiding further escalation in Lebanon is a priority, stating, “Lebanon cannot become a new Gaza.”
Netanyahu, in response, accused Macron and other Western leaders of pushing for an arms embargo on Israel, calling their stance a “disgrace.”
In a video released by his office, Netanyahu declared, “Israel will win with or without their support,” expressing outrage over what he perceived as attempts to weaken Israel’s position in its fight against militant forces in Gaza and Lebanon.
Macron, however, clarified in the interview that France is not delivering any weapons to Israel, but maintained his belief that halting arms shipments was a crucial step toward de-escalation.
He expressed regret over Israel’s ground operations in Lebanon, warning that the ongoing conflict was fueling “hatred” and undermining security in the region.
Netanyahu’s office responded by asserting that any nation not standing with Israel is effectively supporting Iran and its allied proxies. The prime minister urged that “all civilized countries should be standing firmly by Israel’s side” as it combats what he described as forces of barbarism led by Iran.
In the face of Netanyahu’s sharp rebuke, Macron’s office later issued a statement reaffirming France’s long-standing friendship with Israel, but described Netanyahu’s reaction as “excessive” and “detached from the friendship between France and Israel.”
Macron, while acknowledging Israel’s right to self-defense, noted his intention to meet with relatives of Franco-Israelis taken hostage in Gaza on Monday.
This coincides with the one-year anniversary of Hamas’s deadly October 7 attack on Israel, which left over 1,200 people dead and 251 taken hostage. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, more than 40,000 people have since been killed in Gaza.
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