Conflict
French PM Macron urges halt on arms deliveries to Israel; Netanyahu calls it ‘disgrace’
French President Emmanuel Macron has called for an immediate halt to arms deliveries to Israel, urging a shift towards political solutions amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the recent escalation with Lebanon.
In an interview with France Inter on Saturday, Macron stressed upon the importance of diplomacy over military force.
“I think that today, the priority is that we return to a political solution, that we stop delivering weapons to fight in Gaza,” he said, underscoring France’s position against supplying arms that could fuel the conflict.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed Macron’s suggestion, releasing a pre-recorded video in which he condemned the idea of an arms embargo.
“Shame on them,” Netanyahu said, referring to Macron and other Western leaders advocating for halting arms shipments. He further asserted, “Israel will win with or without their support,” and called the embargo proposal “a disgrace.”
“As Israel fights the forces of barbarism led by Iran, all civilised countries should be standing firmly by Israel’s side. Yet President Macron and some other western leaders are now calling for an arms embargo against Israel. Shame on them,” NNetanyahu claimed.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot reinforced Macron’s stance, reiterating that a consistent call for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon means halting the provision of offensive weapons.
During a press conference in Jerusalem on Monday, Barrot stated, “The use of force must give way to dialogue and diplomacy.” Despite constructive meetings with Israeli officials, disagreement over France’s arms embargo stance persists, with Netanyahu firmly opposing Macron’s remarks.
However, Macron has defended his position, stressing France’s commitment to Israeli security while advocating for diplomatic solutions over further military escalation.
