Macron Calls for Halt to Arms Sales to Israel, Netanyahu Calls It Shameful
Paris, France – French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a halt to armssales to Israel in the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, sparking a furious response from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who accused Macron and other Western leaders calling foran arms embargo against Israel of being shameful.
Macron’s statement, made on Saturday during an interview with French media, came as a significant escalation in thediplomatic tensions surrounding the conflict. He argued that the priority should be a return to a political solution and a cessation of arms shipments to Gaza. I believe that today the priority is to get back to a political solution and to stop the delivery of weapons tothe Gaza Strip, Macron said. He emphasized that France itself does not supply weapons to Israel.
Macron also expressed deep concern over the escalating crisis in Gaza, stating, I think we are not being listened to. I think it’s a mistake, including for Israel’s security. He further warned that the conflict is fueling hatred.
Macron’s remarks were particularly critical of Netanyahu’s decision to deploy troops into Lebanon for ground operations.
Netanyahu, however, vehemently rejected Macron’s call for an arms embargo, stating, All civilized nations should stand firmly with Israel as it fights against the forces of barbarism led by Iran. Yet, President Macron and other Western leaders are now calling for an arms embargo on Israel. It’s shameful.
Macron’s statement has been welcomed by Qatar, a key mediator inthe ceasefire negotiations. Qatar’s government described Macron’s call as an important and commendable step towards ending the war. Jordan also expressed support for Macron’s stance, highlighting the importance of a complete ban on arms exports to Israel and emphasizing the potential for real consequences from Israel’s actions.
TheFrench Presidency, in response to Netanyahu’s accusations, clarified that France remains a steadfast friend of Israel but that Netanyahu’s reaction was excessive and out of step with the friendship between France and Israel.
This latest development underscores the growing international pressure on Israel to de-escalate the conflict and returnto a political solution. Macron’s statement, while condemned by Netanyahu, has been received positively by some key players in the region, suggesting a potential shift in international sentiment towards a more active role in seeking a resolution to the crisis.
References:
- Agence France-Presse. (2024, October 6). Macron calls for halt to arms sales to Israel, Netanyahu calls it ‘shameful’. Retrieved from [Insert link to original article]
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