Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has harshly criticised French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent call for an arms embargo against Israel amid the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah and Iran.
Macron’s comments, made in a French media interview on Saturday, advocated for a “political solution” in the Middle East and urged Western countries to cease weapons deliveries, particularly in relation to Gaza.
Macron labelled the continued fighting a “mistake” and warned against Lebanon becoming “a new Gaza.”
In a response posted on X Netanyahu condemned Macron’s stance as “disgraceful” and defended Israel’s actions.
He told the French president that Israel is engaged in battles “on seven fronts against the enemies of civilization,” referencing the conflicts with Hamas, Hezbollah, and other Iranian-backed groups across Syria and Iraq.
Netanyahu urged Western nations to stand by Israel, denouncing Macron’s proposed embargo as “shameful”.
“Shame on them,” Netanyahu said, adding that Israel would prevail with or without external support but warned that Western leaders’ “shame will linger long after the war is won.”
The conflict, entering its second year, has seen over 41,000 Palestinian deaths, according to reports, while Israel has suffered significant casualties and hostage crises since the October 2023 Hamas raid.
The Israeli military has escalated its operations in Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah as the group continues to fire rockets in support of Hamas.
The Israel Defense Forces claim to have killed over 440 Hezbollah fighters, while Lebanese health authorities report over 2,000 casualties and more than 1.2 million people displaced due to Israeli strikes.
My message to Macron >> pic.twitter.com/BHyh0Fso19
— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) October 5, 2024
The real shame is you are not in front of the ICC Yahoo…..