Prime Minister Netanyahu in his address to French President Macron (video clip/GPO)

Netanyahu Condemns Macron After He Calls for Israel Arms Embargo

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The Judean Staff
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In a dramatic and highly charged exchange of public statements, the leaders of France and Israel have found themselves at odds over the supply of military aid to Israel amidst its ongoing war in Gaza. French President Emmanuel Macron set off a diplomatic firestorm on Saturday night when he called for an immediate halt to arms shipments to Israel, a position that drew swift and fierce condemnation from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

As tensions flare across the Middle East, Netanyahu’s statement, delivered with unmistakable resolve, lambasted Macron and other Western leaders for even suggesting an arms embargo. “As Israel fights the forces of barbarism, led by Iran, all civilized nations should be standing shoulder to shoulder with Israel,” Netanyahu asserted. His message was clear: in this critical moment of survival against terrorism, any wavering by the international community amounts to betrayal. “Shame on them,” he exclaimed, in reference to Macron and others who have raised similar calls for a halt to arms sales.

In an even more direct and unyielding message, Netanyahu took to social media, addressing Macron personally. "It is a disgrace," he said, referring to Macron’s remarks. "Israel will win with or without their support. But their shame will echo long after the war is won." Netanyahu’s defiant tone underscored a wider sense of isolation Israel feels from some quarters of the international community, as it continues its military campaign against Hamas and Hezbollah.

Macron’s Push for a Ceasefire and an Arms Embargo

Macron’s controversial comments came during an interview with French radio, where he called for an end to military aid to Israel in Gaza, arguing that "the priority is that we return to a political solution." He framed his argument with a call for consistency: “If you call for a ceasefire, it’s only consistent that you do not supply weapons of war.” Macron, who clarified that France itself does not provide Israel with offensive arms, was seen by many as indirectly calling out the United States—the largest supplier of military aid to Israel.

Washington has continued its flow of arms to Israel despite growing concerns over civilian casualties. While the U.S. remains Israel’s staunchest ally, critics have raised concerns that the weapons provided by the U.S. are being used in ways that contribute to the escalating civilian toll.

Divisive Reactions Across the Globe

Macron’s comments were met with mixed reactions. Qatar, the Islamist nation that is a known supporter of terror groups, welcomed the French president’s remarks, calling them “an important and appreciated step toward stopping the war.” Jordan, too, backed Macron’s position, urging a total arms embargo on Israel and demanding that the international community enforce “real consequences” for Israel's military actions.

However, for Netanyahu, such calls only add fuel to the fire. Israel, he insists, is in the middle of an existential battle, and any attempt to constrain its military efforts will only embolden its enemies. “Israel will continue to fight, no matter the pressure or the threats,” a senior Israeli official noted in response to the growing international criticism.

France Responds: "We Are Israel’s Friend, But Netanyahu’s Reaction Was Excessive"

In a somewhat conciliatory move, the French presidency issued a follow-up statement, attempting to tone down the diplomatic spat. It reassured that France remains “a steadfast friend of Israel” and emphasized that their historic bond should not be overshadowed by a single disagreement. However, the statement did not shy away from calling Netanyahu’s reaction “excessive and detached from the friendship between France and Israel,” a sharp criticism that revealed the widening gap between the two nations' leaders.

Joshua Zarka, Israel’s ambassador to France, sought to calm the situation during a televised interview on Sunday, saying, “France has been by our side since the beginning.” He pointed to Macron’s vocal support of Israel following the horrific Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, and highlighted France’s acknowledgment of Iran’s role in destabilizing the region. Zarka stressed that while France calls for a ceasefire, Israel must do what is necessary to neutralize Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Macron Criticizes Israel's Ground Operations in Lebanon

Adding to the complexity, Macron voiced his concerns over Israel’s expanding military operations into Lebanon. Speaking at a summit for French-speaking nations, he expressed his regret that Netanyahu had decided to send troops into ground operations on Lebanese soil, stating, "I regret that Prime Minister Netanyahu has made another choice...in particular, for ground operations on Lebanese soil." These remarks highlight the growing unease in Western capitals about the conflict spiraling into a broader regional war.

Despite the friction, Macron reiterated Israel's right to self-defense, stressing that Israel is justified in protecting itself from external threats. On Monday, he is scheduled to meet with relatives of Franco-Israeli hostages currently held by Hamas, in a poignant reminder of the personal and emotional stakes for many French citizens.

One Year Since the Spark of War

This escalating diplomatic row comes at a poignant moment in the timeline of the conflict. Monday will mark one year since the devastating October 7 Hamas attacks that thrust Israel into its current war in Gaza. As Israel stands on the brink of broader conflict, with Hezbollah in the north and Iran’s shadow looming large, the question of international support—or lack thereof—remains a critical and divisive issue. Macron, along with many in the West, continues to push for a ceasefire and political dialogue. Meanwhile, Netanyahu remains resolute: Israel will fight on, with or without Western backing.

The war in Gaza has already left an indelible mark on the region, and the diplomatic fallout between Israel and its Western allies threatens to shift the dynamics even further. As the conflict rages on, the world watches—and waits—wondering what will come next in this increasingly volatile situation.

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