Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday, following recent tensions over Macron’s call to halt arms exports to Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Netanyahu-Macron Phone Call Amid Tensions
The phone call comes after Netanyahu strongly condemned Macron’s suggestion to stop sending weapons to Israel. Netanyahu warned that such a ban would benefit Iran and its allies, stating that restricting arms to Israel would only strengthen adversaries in the region.
In a statement, Netanyahu’s office said: “The Prime Minister informed Macron that imposing an arms embargo on Israel would serve Iran and its allies. Israel’s actions against Hezbollah are creating an opportunity to shift the situation in Lebanon, fostering greater stability, security, and peace across the region.”
Call for Global Support
Netanyahu further emphasized that Israel expects its allies to support the country rather than impose limitations that could bolster the so-called “Iranian axis of evil.” The two leaders agreed to continue discussing this issue during an upcoming visit to Israel by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot.
On Saturday, Macron urged a halt in arms exports to Israel in response to the conflict in Gaza. In response, Netanyahu said: “As Israel fights forces of savagery led by Iran, all well-mannered nations should stand firmly with Israel. However, Macron and other Western leaders are now calling for an arms embargo on Israel. They should be ashamed.”
Netanyahu assured that Israel would triumph even without external support, but noted that “their shame will last long after we win the war.”
France Responds
The Élysée Palace responded to Netanyahu’s remarks by reaffirming France’s unwavering friendship with Israel, calling the Prime Minister’s comments “excessive and unrelated to the friendship between France and Israel.”
