Pic credit – Emmanuel Macron | French politician, President of France sin… | Flickr
By Lucy Thomas and Rowan Cox
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned French President Emmanuel Macron for his recent calls for an end of arm deliveries to Israel.
When asked in an interview with French broadcaster, France Inter about the conflict, Mr. Macron stated: “France is not delivering any weapons to Israel.”
He emphasized that: “It is a mistake, including for the security of Israel.”
The Israeli foreign aided weapons used in Gaza have been primarily supplied by the US and other western countries. Biden’s administration has not wavered on its commitment to supply arms to Israel.
Macron and Netanyahu have spoken over the phone in which Macron reiterated his support for Israel but also warned of further escalation in Lebanon, as he worries of similar carnage of the likes we have seen in Gaza.
Netanyahu’s office publicly responded, “shame on them”, referring to the French president’s comments, he also urged “civilized countries” to stand firmly with Israel.
Britain and France prior to Macron’s comments have been a united front when it comes to their stance and resolutions of the Gaza war. Just last month, the UK and French governments alongside many other countries including the US, released a joint statement calling for an immediate 21-day ceasefire across the Israeli and Lebanese border, with the hope of a diplomatic solution.
The UK Government, even though a strong ally of Israel, has been critical of Israel’s attack on Gaza as the humanitarian crisis worsens. They went as far as to suspend around 30 arm sales licenses to Israel last month. But since the recent escalation after the Iranian missile attack, the UK government has reinforced its support and ally ship of Israel.
However, British Defense Secretary John Healey has stated that the UK Government is not following suit in this case. He told Sky News that “we as a government do not supply anything directly to Israel but there are export licenses that have a clear risk that may breach international law. Then we have suspended those licenses where they could affect the lives in Gaza.”
