Macron’s office says France is ‘Israel’s steadfast friend’ after PM slams arms embargo call

After Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu labels French President Emmanuel Macron’s call for an arms embargo on Israel “a disgrace,” the Élysée stresses that Macron “supports Israel’s security and demonstrates it.”

Macron’s office notes that France mobilized its military this week’s during Iran’s missile attack, as it did in April.

The statement says that Macron “personally told the Iranian president of France’s commitment to Israel’s security. He reiterated that France would not allow Iran or any of its proxies to attack Israel and would always find us facing it if it resorted to force.”

At the same time, Macron believes that “the urgent need is to avoid the escalation of tensions in the region,” including an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

“It is in this context that the president calls for an end to arms exports intended for use in Gaza,” Macron’s office continues. “We must return to diplomatic solutions.”

“France is Israel’s steadfast friend,” the Élysée concludes. “Mr. Netanyahu’s words are excessive and unrelated to the friendship between France and Israel.”

On Monday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot will be in Israel to mark the October 7 attacks, part of a regional tour his office says is meant to push for deescalation.

“He will reaffirm France’s call for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas, including French nationals Ofer Kalderon and Ohad Yahalomi,” says the French embassy.