International
Macron calls for arms embargo on Israel, drawing sharp criticism from Netanyahu
French President Emmanuel Macron’s call to halt arms deliveries to Israel has drawn sharp criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Macron emphasised the need for a political solution to the Gaza conflict, while Netanyahu labelled the suggestion of an arms embargo a “disgrace.”
French President Emmanuel Macron’s call for halting arms deliveries to Israel for use in Gaza has sparked strong backlash from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Macron made the remarks during an interview with France Inter radio, aired on Saturday (5 Oct), expressing his concern over continued hostilities despite ceasefire calls. He urged the cessation of weapons deliveries, calling for a return to political solutions.
Netanyahu, in response, swiftly condemned Macron’s remarks in a video released by his office, labelling the call for an arms embargo a “disgrace.” He said that Israel would continue its efforts with or without international support, adding, “Shame on them,” referring to Macron and other Western leaders who have called for restricting arms sales to Israel.
Macron’s comments were made in the context of escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The French president expressed his opposition to Israel’s ground operations in Lebanon, emphasising that avoiding escalation was critical, and that Lebanon “cannot become a new Gaza.” Despite his criticism, Macron reaffirmed Israel’s right to defend itself but warned that the conflict could fuel hatred and instability in the region.
On Sunday (6 Oct), Macron and Netanyahu had a phone conversation, during which Macron reiterated France’s “unwavering commitment” to Israel’s security.
However, Macron maintained his stance against arms deliveries being used in Gaza, noting that France had not supplied any weapons to Israel. He described the ongoing conflict as a mistake that risks undermining Israel’s long-term security.
Netanyahu, for his part, argued that the fight against Hezbollah and its Iranian backers was essential for regional stability.
In his statement following the call, Netanyahu said that all “civilised countries” should stand with Israel as it battles the forces of “barbarism” led by Iran. He added that any country not standing with Israel was supporting Iran and its proxies, which he described as the “axis of evil.”
Macron’s comments have generated significant diplomatic friction between the two leaders. Macron expressed regret over Israel’s decision to launch ground operations in Lebanon, pointing to joint calls by both the US and France for a ceasefire in the region. He noted that the responsibility for military action lay with Netanyahu.
Despite the tense exchange, Macron continues to frame France as a close ally of Israel. His office released a statement describing Netanyahu’s response as “excessive and detached” from the friendship between the two nations. Macron’s government maintains its position of support for Israel’s right to self-defence while advocating for a political solution to the conflict.
The conversation between Macron and Netanyahu comes just ahead of the first anniversary of Hamas’s 7 October 2023 attack on Israel, which resulted in a complex tragedy.
Approximately 1,200 people were killed, including many who lost their lives as Israeli military forces carried out the controversial Hannibal Directive. This directive, designed to prevent the capture of Israeli soldiers by authorising extreme measures to thwart kidnappings, was widely reported and documented by international media.
Since that day, Israel’s military response has intensified in Gaza, and its airstrikes have caused significant casualties. Many Israel hostages are believed to have been since killed in the crossfire, as Israeli forces reportedly employed heavy shelling and airstrikes in areas where hostages were held and even shot as they fled from their captives.
The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reports that more than 41,000 people have been killed since the conflict began, including civilians trapped in densely populated areas.
Tensions between Israel and Lebanon have also been rising, with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) engaging Hezbollah militants in the border region. Both sides have sustained casualties, and the fear of a broader conflict looms.
Macron’s concerns over a second front in Lebanon have led to his calls for restraint and political dialogue.
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