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France’s Macron: ‘Netanyahu’s words are excessive and irrelevant’
The fallout continues after French President Emmanuel Macron called for “a halt to arms exports for use in Gaza” saying it’s urgent to avoid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Macron drew strong criticism from Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by saying “the priority is … that we stop delivering weapons to fight in Gaza”. France doesn’t deliver any weapons to Israel, Macron said in an interview.
Netanyahu released a video statement in which he called out the French president by name and referred to such calls as a “disgrace”.
In a statement, Macron’s office said: “France is Israel’s unfailing friend. Mr Netanyahu’s words are excessive and irrelevant to the friendship between France and Israel. We must return to diplomatic solutions.”
Macron’s arms-embargo call shows ‘the world can make a difference’
Elon Liel, the former director of Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, says Israel will respond with military action against Iran after last week’s missile strikes, but the attack will likely be measured.
“As it is seen here there will be a response. I think it will be limited especially because the Americans are very close to their election and do not want us to cause any problems during the election. The question is how will this war look after the American election, because until [it’s over] both sides will limit themselves a little bit,” Liel told Al Jazeera.
He noted the statement by France’s President Emmanuel Macron calling for a halt of weapons transfers to Israel, highlighting the unusual comments from a staunch Western ally and what they could mean to the war.
“Also another important player when it comes to Lebanon is France, which in a way took sides yesterday by calling for an arms embargo and very much annoying our leadership. So if France can drag Europe into a more active position in the conflict and influence the Americans to get deeper into it, I think the world can make a difference.”
Netanyahu tells Macron halting arms sales will boost Iran’s influence
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has told French President Macron that restrictions on Israel would strengthen Iran’s axis of resistance, a day after Macron urged a halt to weapon supplies to Israel.
“Just as Iran supports all parts of the Iranian terrorist axis, Israel’s friends are expected to stand behind it, and not impose restrictions on it that will only strengthen the Iranian axis of evil,” Netanyahu told Macron in a phone call, according to a statement published by the Israeli PM’s office.
And they do it under stringent sanctions... Your turn, you are the one destroying the region. You are the (currently) more dangerous terrorist.
Pope calls for immediate ceasefire in Lebanon, Gaza
Pope Francis has called for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon and Gaza before the first anniversary of the Israeli war on the besieged Palestinian coastal territory.
“Let us pray for the Lebanese, especially for the people in the south who are forced to leave their villages,” Francis told people gathered in St. Peter’s Square for his weekly Angelus prayer.
“The Middle East has plunged into increasing suffering, with destructive military actions continuing to affect the Palestinian population,” the pontiff added.
“All nations have the right to exist in peace and security and their territories should not be attacked or invaded. Sovereignty must be respected and guaranteed by dialogue and peace, not hatred, war.”
