French President Emmanuel Macron called for an end to arms deliveries to Israel for use in Gaza, a move that drew sharp criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday. Macron also voiced his opposition to Israel’s ground operations in Lebanon.
Speaking to France Inter, Macron said, “I think that today, the priority is that we return to a political solution, that we stop delivering weapons to fight in Gaza.” He added that France was not providing any weapons and reiterated his concerns about the ongoing conflict, which he said was fueling hatred and undermining Israel’s security.
Netanyahu swiftly responded, stating that as Israel fights the forces of barbarism led by Iran, all civilised countries should stand firmly by Israel’s side. He criticised Macron and other Western leaders for suggesting arms embargoes, calling it shameful.
France, in turn, defended Macron’s remarks, describing Netanyahu’s reaction as excessive and detached from the friendship between France and Israel, while reaffirming its commitment to Israel as a steadfast ally.
Macron also stressed the importance of avoiding further escalation in Lebanon, saying, “Lebanon cannot become a new Gaza.” During a conference in Paris, he criticised Netanyahu’s decision to proceed with ground operations in Lebanon despite calls for a ceasefire from Paris and Washington.
The International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), which includes France and Canada, has also called for an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Lebanon. Macron, however, reaffirmed Israel’s right to self-defence and announced he would meet with relatives of Franco-Israelis held hostage in Gaza.
The recent Gaza conflict, triggered by Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel, has expanded into Lebanon, raising fears of a regional crisis. The Hamas assault claimed 1,205 lives, mostly civilians, according to Israeli officials. Israel’s retaliatory offensive has so far killed at least 41,825 people in Gaza, according to the Palestinian health ministry, with the UN confirming the reliability of these figures.
