French President Emmanuel Macron strongly criticized Thursday evening the “ lack of professionalism » of certain ministers, journalists and “ commentators », accusing them of having distorted his statements on Israel. These comments, reported by Le Monde, sparked a controversy with the Israeli Prime Minister, Benyamin Netanyahu.
During a closed meeting of the Council of Ministers, held on October 15, Emmanuel Macron reportedly said: “Mr. Netanyahu must not forget that his country was founded by a decision of the United Nations, and that he should not therefore do not ignore their resolutions. » In response, Benjamin Netanyahu responded by declaring: “ I remind the French President that the State of Israel was not created by a UN resolution, but by victory in the War of Independence, obtained at the price of the blood of heroic fighters, many of whom were survivors of the Holocaust, including from the Vichy regime in France. »
Read also: Pedro Sanchez calls for an end to arms sales to Israel
During his press conference after the European summit in Brussels, Emmanuel Macron expressed his indignation at reactions he considers distorted, saying: “I was stunned to read so many comments and reactions, including from the from political leaders, without anyone really questioning what exactly I said. » He denounced a “disintegration of public debate” and criticized his ministers for having repeated distorted remarks, journalists for having relayed them, and commentators for not having verified the veracity of these statements.
The President called on the participants of the Council of Ministers to respect the rules of confidentiality and to demonstrate ethics and discipline to avoid the dissemination of erroneous information or taken out of context. He also urged journalists and commentators to treat distorted information more rigorously.
Macron concluded by affirming that there was “no ambiguity” in his remarks, denouncing attempts at manipulation which, according to him, “hurt and weaken France.” » He reaffirmed France’s constant commitment to Israel, emphasizing that “the existence and security of Israel are intangible for France and the French. »
