French President Emmanuel Macron has urged a suspension of arms deliveries to Israel for its operations in Gaza, leading to a strong response from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Speaking in an interview with a French radio station, Macron stated that “the priority is to return to a political solution and halt arms shipments intended for fighting in Gaza.” During a summit in Paris on Saturday, Macron voiced concern over the ongoing conflict despite calls for a ceasefire and criticized Israel’s decision to deploy ground forces into Lebanon.
Netanyahu responded by condemning the remarks. In a video released by his office, he declared, “Israel will triumph with or without their support,” and referred to the call for an arms embargo as “a disgrace.” He further accused Macron and other Western leaders of making misguided decisions regarding Israel.
Macron clarified that France is not currently delivering weapons to Israel and expressed frustration that his message was not being acknowledged. He stressed that avoiding an escalation in Lebanon was a key concern and that Lebanon “must not become another Gaza.”
In response, Netanyahu’s office criticized any country not fully backing Israel, claiming it amounted to siding with Iran and its allies. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel is battling forces of extremism and argued that all democratic nations should support Israel in its efforts.
Despite the heated exchange, Macron reaffirmed Israel’s right to self-defense. He also announced plans to meet with the relatives of French-Israeli citizens held hostage in Gaza. The conflict escalated following Hamas’s attack on Israel on 7 October, which resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 people and the kidnapping of 251 others. According to Gaza’s health ministry, over 41,000 people have been killed in the territory since then.
