Netanyahu says he is “extremely disappointed” by Macron’s stance on weapons
Oct. 23 (EUROPA PRESS) –
The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, has reiterated to the Lebanese Prime Minister, Nayib Mikati, from Paris that he will persist in his efforts to achieve a ceasefire in the region and find ways to pressure Israel in this direction just hours before an international conference is held on Lebanon.
Mikati, accompanied by the Lebanese Foreign Minister, Abdullah Bou Habib, thanked Macron for his “constant support for Lebanon” and his efforts to achieve a cessation of hostilities in the region, as reported by his office in a statement.
Mikati’s visit to Paris comes just hours before the French Government holds a conference on Lebanon that aims to establish a diplomatic solution to the conflict, mobilize humanitarian aid and support the Lebanese Armed Forces.
The French Foreign Minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, explained in a video published on the social network X that the Lebanese people have been involved “in a war that they did not choose.” “Acting is a duty and that is why France has taken this initiative,” he added.
More than 1.2 million people have been forced to leave their homes due to the escalation of the conflict in Lebanon, the scene of intense Israeli attacks in recent weeks, according to a balance prepared by different UN agencies.
At the beginning of October, the United Nations made a humanitarian appeal worth nearly 426 million dollars (around 383 million euros) to provide aid to people displaced in the context of the conflict with Israel.
“EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED”
The Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, said this Wednesday in an interview with the French television channel CNews that he felt “extremely” disappointed with Macron for his decision to request the suspension of arms shipments to Israel.
“Why should they apply an embargo to us when we are fighting a just war?” he questioned, adding that the French president has been adopting, “little by little”, positions that “are against” the common interests “of the free societies”.
His words come after Macron assured on October 6 in an interview with the France Inter radio station that the Israeli Government seems to be ignoring the mediation efforts of the international community. “The priority is that we stop delivering weapons that are being used to carry out the fighting in Gaza,” he indicated then.
In response, Netanyahu reproached Macron for his “regrettable” stance and warned that “the shame (of his attitude) will last long after we win the war.” Shortly after, the Elysée assured in a statement that Paris “supports Israel’s security.”
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