Netanyahu, Macron Clash Over France’s Call For Immediate Ceasefires

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and French President Emmanuel Macron engaged in a heated phone conversation as France reiterated its demands for immediate ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon.

According to a statement from Israel regarding the call, Netanyahu informed Macron that Israel is “taking action against the terrorist organization Hezbollah” to eliminate the threat to its citizens along the northern border. The statement emphasized that Israel will not accept any agreement that does not ensure this.

Tensions have risen between the two leaders since Macron suggested last week that the only way to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and between Israel and Hezbollah is to stop the sale of weapons. Netanyahu criticized Macron after the French president publicly called for a ban on arms sales to Israel, labeling the remarks a “disgrace.” Macron also announced plans for an international conference on Lebanon scheduled for this month.

During a weekly cabinet meeting, Macron reminded that “Mr. Netanyahu must not forget that his country was established by a UN decision,” referencing the UN General Assembly resolution from November 1947 that proposed the partition of Palestine into a Jewish state and an Arab state. He added, “This is not the time to ignore the decisions of the UN.”