French President Emmanuel Macron criticized Israel’s operations in Gaza and Lebanon, calling for a halt to arms deliveries to Israel. His remarks prompted a strong rebuttal from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who defended the necessity of military actions against threats from Iranian-backed groups. Both leaders acknowledge the need for peace but differ on approaches to achieving it.
French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a cessation of arms deliveries to Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza and criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to initiate ground operations in Lebanon. In an interview with French broadcaster France Inter, Macron emphasized the urgent need to return to a political solution, stating, “I think that today, the priority is that we return to a political solution, that we stop delivering weapons to fight in Gaza.” He also remarked that France is not supplying arms to Israel and expressed concern about the escalating situation, noting the adverse effects on security in Israel and the growing hatred fueled by the conflict. In response to Macron’s comments, Prime Minister Netanyahu issued a pointed statement asserting that Israel is battling against forces backed by Iran and condemned calls for an arms embargo against Israel. “As Israel fights the forces of barbarism led by Iran, all civilized countries should be standing firmly by Israel’s side,” he stated. Netanyahu dismissed the calls for an arms embargo, highlighting the support Iran provides to militant groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis. He expressed confidence in Israel’s resilience, claiming that the country would prevail without Western support, while also warning that the shame referred to by him would linger irrespective of the outcome of the conflict. Macron reiterated the importance of avoiding an escalation of violence in Lebanon, expressing a hope that the nation would not devolve into another conflict zone like Gaza. This sentiment was echoed by the International Organization of La Francophonie, urging for an immediate cease-fire in the region. Despite his criticisms, Macron reaffirmed Israel’s legitimate right to self-defense and mentioned that he would meet with families of Franco-Israelis held captive in Gaza as the country commemorates the first anniversary of the devastating Hamas attacks on October 7.
The article discusses the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian factions, particularly focusing on the situation in Gaza following Hamas’s attacks. The French President’s remarks emerge amidst accusations regarding military support and arms deliveries related to the conflict, reflecting broader concerns about regional stability in the Middle East, particularly in relation to Iran’s influence. The backdrop includes the escalating death toll and humanitarian crisis resulting from military operations in Gaza, with ongoing international calls for peace and resolutions to the conflict.
In summary, President Emmanuel Macron’s call for an arms embargo on Israel has sparked significant backlash from Israeli leadership, particularly from Prime Minister Netanyahu, who insists that Israel stands resolute against Iranian-backed adversaries. Both leaders stress the importance of regional peace, albeit from differing perspectives on military action. Macron’s comments highlight a critical stance towards continuing hostilities, emphasizing a renewed political approach, while Netanyahu underscored Israel’s right to defend itself against perceived threats.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
