Posted on 10/06/24
| News Source: Times of Israel
French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday urged a halt to deliveries of arms to Israel that can be used in its war against Hamas in Gaza, drawing a furious reaction from Jerusalem.
“I think that today, the priority is that we return to a political solution, that we stop delivering weapons to fight in Gaza,” Macron told broadcaster France Inter.
“France is not delivering any,” he added during the interview recorded early this week.
Macron reiterated his concern over the conflict in Gaza that is continuing despite repeated calls for a ceasefire.
“I think we are not being heard,” he said. “I think it is a mistake, including for the security of Israel,” he said, adding that the conflict was leading to “hatred.”
Macron also said avoiding an escalation in Lebanon was a “priority,” asserting that “Lebanon cannot become a new Gaza.”
Responding to Macron on Saturday evening, Netanyahu called his comments “a disgrace.”
“Israel is defending itself on seven fronts against the enemies of civilization,” he said in a video statement, pointing to Gaza, Lebanon, the West Bank, Yemen, Syria, Iraq and Iran. “As Israel fights the forces of barbarism led by Iran, all civilized countries should be standing firmly by Israel’s side.”
“Yet President Macron and other Western leaders are now calling for arms embargoes against Israel,” he continued. “Shame on them.”
Netanyahu asked rhetorically whether Iran is imposing an arms embargo on its proxies. “Of course not,” he said. “This axis of terror stands together.”
“But countries who supposedly oppose this terror axis call for an arms embargo on Israel,” Netanyahu continued. “What a disgrace!”
Netanyahu promised that Israel will win “with or without their support. But their shame will continue long after the war is won.”