French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a suspension of arms deliveries to Israel, which has been carrying out airstrikes on Gaza for the past year and recently launched a military operation against Lebanon.
In an interview with France Inter on Saturday, Macron emphasized the need to return to a political solution and halt the supply of weapons for the ongoing conflict in Gaza. “Today, the priority is to stop delivering weapons for the fighting in Gaza,” Macron stated, adding that “France is not delivering any [weapons].”
Although France is not a major supplier of arms to Israel, Macron’s stance as a key figure in the European Union and a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council carries considerable weight in international efforts to find a political resolution to the conflict.
In September, the United Kingdom also announced the suspension of certain arms exports to Israel, citing concerns that they could contribute to serious breaches of international humanitarian law.
Macron expressed deep concern over Israel’s continued strikes on Gaza, despite ongoing international calls for a ceasefire. “I think we are not being heard. It is a mistake, even for Israel’s security,” he said, warning that the conflict was fueling “hatred.”
The French president also criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to expand military operations into Lebanon, stressing that the priority should be to avoid further escalation. “The Lebanese people must not be sacrificed. Lebanon cannot become another Gaza,” Macron remarked.
Netanyahu responded harshly to Macron’s comments, calling them a “disgrace.” In a statement from his office, Netanyahu said, “As Israel fights the forces of barbarism led by Iran, all civilized nations should stand by Israel. Yet, President Macron and other Western leaders are calling for arms embargoes. Shame on them.”
France responded with a statement affirming its status as a “steadfast friend of Israel” and described Netanyahu’s remarks as “excessive and disconnected from the longstanding friendship between France and Israel.”
Macron’s stance is seen as not only a message to Israel but also to the United States, Israel’s largest arms provider. In May, the US Department of State noted that while there wasn’t sufficient evidence to halt weapons shipments to Israel, there was reasonable concern that Israeli use of arms could violate humanitarian standards.
Qatar, a key mediator in Gaza ceasefire negotiations, welcomed Macron’s statement as an important step towards ending the conflict. Jordan also praised Macron’s remarks and reiterated the need for a complete ban on arms exports to Israel, calling for “real consequences” for its actions.
Macron’s comments come as French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot is on a four-day visit to the Middle East, concluding with meetings in Israel, as Paris seeks to play a role in diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire.