Israel is engaged on several fronts, at war against Hamas in Gaza and against Hezbollah in Lebanon. The Jewish state also threatens to retaliate against a massive missile attack from Iran.
The anger of Benjamin Netanyahu
Emmanuel Macron claimed that “the priority was now to find a political solution and to stop delivering weapons to carry out the fighting in Gaza” specifying that France did not provide any itself.
This statement angered Benjamin Netanyahu Saturday October 5, reports TV5 World. “Shame on leaders who call for embargoes on arms deliveries to Israel“, sharply replied the head of the Israeli government.
France’s “unwavering commitment”
A telephone conversation intended to dispel this unease between the two countries took place the day after the French president’s announcements. On Sunday, the latter effectively reaffirmed Benjamin Netanyahu “unwavering commitment“of France for the security of Israel. He also expressed the solidarity of the French people with the Israeli people.
However, he stressed that “the time for a ceasefire has now come“, according to the Elysée.
For his part, his Israeli interlocutor asked him his “support” et “no restrictions“, according to his office.
In all honesty
The French presidency specified that the two leaders discussed the situation in the Middle East, “in all frankness and with respect for the friendship between France and Israel“. “They accept their differences of view as well as their desire to each be well understood by the other.“, she added. Emmanuel Macron also recalled the deployment of French military resources to its defense during the attacks carried out by Iran in recent months.
Israel has the right to defend itself
According to the Elysée, the French president has indicated that the Jewish state has the right to defend itself against terrorism. “Attacks on Israel and its citizens must stop, whether by Iran or its auxiliaries in the region“, he said during their telephone conversation.
The presidency insisted that arms 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 read: Israel-Lebanon conflict: Benjamin Netanyahu calls the UN a “contemptuous farce”
