The French president reiterated to the Israeli prime minister that “France’s commitment to Israel’s security is unwavering” during a call on Sunday intended to dispel the unease that developed this weekend between the two countries.
Tension rose a notch between the two heads of state this weekend. Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed Sunday to Benjamin Netanyahu “unwavering commitment” of France for the security of Israel, during a telephone conversation intended to dispel the unease between the two countries the day after the French president’s statements calling for an end to certain arms deliveries to Israel.
Emmanuel Macron, however, insisted on the urgency of a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, announced the Élysée, while his Israeli interlocutor asked him for his “support” et “no restrictions”according to his office. “On the eve of the first anniversary of the Hamas terrorist offensive against Israel” October 7, 2023, Emmanuel Macron “expressed the solidarity of the French people with the Israeli people”indicated the French presidency. Emmanuel Macron also said “his conviction that the time for a ceasefire has now come”.
The two leaders discussed “the situation in the Middle East, in complete frankness and with respect for the friendship between France and Israel”said the Élysée. They “assume their differences of point of view as well as their desire to each be well understood by the other”he added. “The President of the Republic reiterated to the Israeli Prime Minister that France’s commitment to the security of Israel is unwavering and reminded him of the mobilization of French military resources to its defense during the attacks carried out by Iran during of recent months”underlined the French presidency.
“No restrictions”
The Israeli Prime Minister’s office, for its part, reported that Benjamin Netanyahu had requested “support” to the French president. “Friends of Israel are expected to support it and not impose restrictions that will only strengthen the Iranian axis of evil”he declared to Emmanuel Macron, presenting his country’s offensive against Hezbollah as “an opportunity to change the reality in Lebanon for the benefit of stability, security and peace throughout the region”.
Emmanuel Macron aroused the anger of Benyamin Netanyahu on Saturday by affirming that the “priority” was now at “a political solution” et “let us stop delivering weapons to carry out the fighting in Gaza” while specifying that France did not provide any itself. “Shame” to leaders who call for embargoes on arms deliveries to Israel, the head of the Israeli government sharply replied.
During their telephone conversation, Emmanuel Macron said that Israel “has the right to defend oneself against terrorism”. “Attacks against Israel and its citizens must stop, whether by Iran or its auxiliaries in the region”said the French president, according to the Élysée.
“Weapons deliveries, the prolongation of the war in Gaza and its extension to Lebanon cannot produce the security expected by Israelis and everyone in the region”also insisted the presidency.
Israel is engaged on several fronts, at war against Hamas in Gaza and against Hezbollah in Lebanon, where it has been carrying out ground operations since Monday. The Jewish state is also threatening to respond to a massive missile attack from Iran which took place last Tuesday.