Macron calls Netanyahu to express condolences for Jerusalem terror attack

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke by phone last night with Emmanuel Macron, the Prime Minister’s Office announces, thanking the French president for his condolences over the deadly terrorist attack on Friday night.

The two leaders also “strongly condemned” Iran’s active participation in attacks on innocent Ukrainians, says Israel.

Netanyahu and Macron agree to meet in the near future.

Netanyahu’s predecessor and current political rival Yair Lapid is a close friend of Macron, and made a point of strengthening bilateral ties with Paris.

The French readout says that Macron “shared France’s complete and total identification with Israel’s fight against terror,” and stresses France’s unshakeable commitment to Israel’s security.

At the same time, Macron warns that all parties “must avoid steps that could worsen the cycle of violence.”

On Iran, Macron expresses his concern over Iran’s destabilizing activities in the region and Tehran’s nuclear progress. He adds that Iran’s involvement in Ukraine “exposed it to sanctions and growing isolation.”