Official statements from the Israeli government or major international news agencies

Netanyahu Condemns Macron's Arms Embargo Call Amid Iran-Backed Attacks

Oct 5, 2024, 08:29 PM

French President Emmanuel Macron called for a halt to arms deliveries used by Israel in Gaza, emphasizing the need to avoid escalation and protect civilian lives. Speaking on France Inter radio on Saturday, Macron stated that "the priority is to return to a political solution and to stop delivering weapons to carry out the fighting in Gaza," and expressed concern that "Lebanon cannot become another Gaza" and that "the Lebanese people cannot be sacrificed." In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video message sharply criticizing Macron's stance, calling it a "disgrace" and declaring "shame on them." Netanyahu highlighted that Israel is defending itself on seven fronts against enemies of civilization, including Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and attacks backed by Iran from Yemen, Iraq, Syria, and Iran itself. He asserted that "as Israel fights the forces of barbarism led by Iran, all civilized countries should be standing firmly by Israel's side," and emphasized that Israel would prevail even without Western support. The French presidency responded by reaffirming France's commitment as a "steadfast friend of Israel," describing Netanyahu's reaction as "excessive and detached from the friendship between France and Israel."