French President Emmanuel Macron called for an end to the supply of weapons to Israel for use in Gaza, sparking immediate condemnation from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“The most important thing is to return to a political solution that stops the supply of weapons to fight in Gaza,” Macron said in an interview with France’s Inter radio.
At a summit in Paris on Saturday, the French president reiterated concerns about the continuation of the Gaza conflict despite calls for a ceasefire and criticized Israel’s decision. Send ground troops to Lebanon.
“Shame on them,” Netanyahu countered, referring to Macron and other Western leaders who have called for an arms embargo on Israel.
“Israel will win with or without their support,” Netanyahu said in a video released by his office, adding that calling for an arms embargo was “a disgrace.”
“France does not deliver any weapons to Israel,” Macron said in an interview with French television that was recorded on Tuesday and aired on Saturday.
He added: “I don’t think we are being heard.”
“I think it is a mistake for Israel’s security,” he said, adding, “The conflict is leading to ‘hatred.’”
President Macron also said avoiding escalation in Lebanon was a “priority” and that “Lebanon cannot become the new Gaza Strip.”
Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office responded that any country that does not side with Israel is supporting Iran and its allies and proxies.
Prime Minister Netanyahu said, “All civilized countries must stand firmly on Israel’s side as Israel fights against barbarian forces led by Iran.”
“But President Macron and other Western leaders are now calling for an arms embargo against Israel. Shame on them.”
Macron’s office later said France was a “firm friend of Israel,” adding that Netanyahu’s response was “excessive and out of touch with the friendship between France and Israel.”
In a speech in Paris on Saturday, Macron said the United States and France had called for a ceasefire in Lebanon, but “we regret that Prime Minister Netanyahu has made different choices and taken on this responsibility, especially with regard to operations on the ground.” Land of Lebanon.”
But President Macron reaffirmed Israel’s right to self-defense and said he would meet relatives of French Israelis held hostage in the Gaza Strip on Monday.
Monday marks the one-year anniversary of Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7, which left about 1,200 people dead and 251 taken hostage. The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry later said more than 41,000 people had died in Gaza.
