- Macron calls for arms sales ban on Israel
- He criticises Israel’s decision to send troops to Lebanon
- Netanyahu called Macron’s stance a ‘disgrace’
Macron calls for arms sales ban on Israel
French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a halt on arms deliveries to Israel, which has been bombing Gaza for over a year and recently expanded military operations into Lebanon. In an interview with France Inter, Macron emphasised the need for a political solution, urging a stop to weapon supplies fueling the conflict. He reiterated France’s stance, stating that the country is not currently supplying weapons to Israel.
Macron expressed deep concern over Israel’s ongoing attacks on Gaza, warning that the violence is escalating hatred and undermining Israel’s long-term security. He also criticised Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s decision to extend military operations into Lebanon, stressing that Lebanon should not suffer the same fate as Gaza.
Although France is not a major arms supplier to Israel, Macron’s comments carry weight as France is a key player in the European Union and a permanent member of the UN Security Council. His remarks follow the UK’s decision to suspend certain arms exports to Israel due to concerns about humanitarian law violations.
Netanyahu condemned Macron’s call for an arms embargo, while Macron’s office defended France as a “steadfast friend of Israel,” dismissing Netanyahu’s reaction as excessive.
“As Israel fights the forces of barbarism led by Iran, all civilised countries should be standing firmly by Israel’s side,” Netanyahu said in a statement issued by his office. “Yet, President Macron and other Western leaders are now calling for arms embargoes against Israel. Shame on them.”
Macron’s stance has received praise from Qatar and Jordan, both of which support efforts to halt the conflict and impose stricter consequences on Israel.
