France Calls for Arms Embargo on Israel Amidst Gaza Conflict
Jerusalem, October8, 2024 – French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna reiterated France’scall for an arms embargo on Israel during a press conference in Jerusalem on Monday, arguing that such a move is necessary to guarantee Israel’s security.
Colonna echoed the stance taken by French President Emmanuel Macron last week, who had called for an end to arms supplies to Israel during its ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.Today, to guarantee the security of Israel, to guarantee the security of Israelis, force must give way to dialogue and diplomacy, Colonna stated.
This is why France, like most countries in the world, is calling for a ceasefire in theGaza Strip, just as it is calling for a ceasefire in Lebanon. When we call for a ceasefire, we cannot simultaneously supply offensive weapons to the warring parties. It is a matter of consistency, she added.
Macron’s initial call for anarms embargo on October 5th drew a sharp rebuke from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who branded the move shameful. The Elysee Palace responded with regret over Netanyahu’s excessive remarks but reaffirmed France’s unwavering friendship with Israel.
Despite the tensions, Macron and Netanyahu spoke onthe phone on October 6th, with the French president expressing his belief that a ceasefire is now necessary. He stressed that neither the supply of weapons to Israel nor the extension of the conflict in Gaza, potentially spilling over into Lebanon, would bring the desired security for Israelis or the wider region.
Macron emphasized the needfor immediate efforts to develop a political solution that guarantees security for Israel and the Middle East. We must immediately work towards a political solution that is necessary for the security of Israel and the Middle East, he stated.
The French government’s stance on the conflict has been met with mixed reactions. While some view it as a necessarystep towards de-escalation, others argue that it undermines Israel’s right to defend itself. The ongoing conflict continues to raise concerns about regional stability and the potential for further escalation.
References:
- France calls for arms embargo on Israel, The Times of Israel, October 5, 2024.
- Macron and Netanyahu discuss ceasefire in Gaza, The Jerusalem Post, October 6, 2024.
- France reiterates call for arms embargo on Israel, The Associated Press, October 8, 2024.
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