Emmanuel Macron, President of France since May 2017, has called for a halt to weapon deliveries to Israel for its ongoing conflict in Gaza. In an interview with France Inter, a major French public radio channel, Macron emphasized the need for a political solution to the crisis.
"The priority is that we return to a political solution, that we stop delivering weapons to carry out fighting in Gaza," Macron stated. He confirmed that France itself is not providing any weapons to Israel.
The French President's appeal comes amid growing international concern over the high civilian death toll in Gaza and the potential for the conflict to spread to neighboring countries, particularly Lebanon. Macron expressed worry that Lebanon could face a similar fate as Gaza, stating, "The Lebanese people cannot, in turn, be sacrificed."
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), an independent research organization founded in 1966, while France has not exported major arms to Israel in recent years, it has supplied components for weapons systems. This information highlights the complex nature of international arms trade and its impact on regional conflicts.
At a recent Francophonie Summit in Paris, a gathering of leaders from 88 French-speaking countries and governments, Macron appeared to criticize the United States, Israel's largest arms supplier. He stated, "If we call for a cease-fire, consistency is to not provide weapons of war." The U.S. has been providing military aid to Israel since 1962, with current support exceeding $3 billion annually.
Macron's stance aligns with France's traditional foreign policy emphasis on multilateralism and diplomatic solutions to conflicts. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, France's position carries significant weight in international diplomacy.
The Gaza Health Ministry, run by Hamas, reports that at least 41,825 people have been killed and 96,910 wounded in Gaza since October 2023. In Lebanon, 2,036 people have reportedly been killed and 9,662 wounded. These figures underscore the devastating human cost of the ongoing conflict.
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving Prime Minister, responded to Macron's remarks in a video statement, criticizing leaders calling for an arms embargo on Israel. "Israel will win with or without their support, but their shame will continue long after the war is won," Netanyahu declared.
In response, Macron's office reaffirmed France's friendship with Israel while describing Netanyahu's reaction as "excessive and detached." This exchange highlights the delicate balance France is attempting to maintain in its diplomatic relations.
"France remains a steadfast friend of Israel."
It's worth noting that France, along with the United States, assisted Israel in countering an Iranian missile attack just last week, demonstrating the complex nature of international alliances and regional security dynamics.
As the conflict continues, the international community, including the United Nations, has repeatedly called for a ceasefire in Gaza. The situation remains tense, with the potential for further escalation in the region, particularly along the Israel-Lebanon border, known as the Blue Line, established by the UN in 2000.
Macron's call for a halt to arms supplies and a return to political solutions reflects growing global concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the potential for wider regional instability. As the crisis unfolds, the role of international diplomacy and the actions of key global players like France will be crucial in shaping the path towards a resolution.