French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a suspension of arms shipments to Israel intended for use in Gaza, which has drawn immediate criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
During an interview with France Inter radio, Macron emphasized that “the priority is to return to a political solution, and to cease weapon deliveries for fighting in Gaza.” At a Paris summit on Saturday, he expressed concern over the ongoing conflict in Gaza despite calls for a ceasefire and criticized Israel’s ground troop deployment in Lebanon.
Netanyahu countered, declaring, “Shame on them,” in reference to Macron and other Western leaders advocating for what he labeled an arms embargo against Israel. In a video statement, he asserted that “Israel will win with or without their support,” deeming the call for an embargo “a disgrace.”
During his interview, recorded earlier in the week, Macron stated that “France is not delivering any” weapons to Israel and expressed frustration that “we are not being heard.” He characterized the ongoing conflict as fostering “hatred” and stressed the importance of preventing escalation in Lebanon, stating, “Lebanon cannot become a new Gaza.”
Netanyahu’s office responded by claiming that countries failing to support Israel are effectively aiding Iran and its allies. He asserted, “As Israel combats the forces of barbarism led by Iran, all civilized nations should stand firmly with Israel. Yet, President Macron and other Western leaders are now advocating for arms embargoes against Israel. Shame on them.”
Macron’s office later defended France as a “steadfast friend of Israel,” arguing that Netanyahu’s reaction was “excessive and disconnected from the friendship between France and Israel.” Speaking in Paris, Macron reiterated that both the U.S. and France had called for a ceasefire in Lebanon, expressing regret over Netanyahu’s decision to carry out ground operations there.
However, Macron affirmed Israel’s right to self-defense and announced plans to meet with families of Franco-Israelis held hostage in Gaza on Monday.
This meeting coincides with the first anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages. According to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, over 41,000 people have died in the territory since that incident.
