Macron's call for arms cut to Israel ignites Netanyahu's indignant reaction “Shame on them”

French President Emmanuel Macron has faced backlash after initially calling for a halt to arms shipments to Israel for its use in Gaza, before later affirming the continuation of military aid.

Speaking to France Inter on October 5, Macron emphasized the need for a “political solution” to the war on Gaza, urging an arms embargo as part of peace efforts, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

His office later clarified that while France would stop offensive arms deliveries, it would continue providing defensive equipment, such as missile defence systems.

Macron’s remarks come amid rising casualties in Gaza, with nearly 42,000 people killed since the conflict intensified.

Despite calls for a ceasefire, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded sharply to Macron's comments, stating, “Shame on them… Israel will win with or without their support.”

Moreover, Macron stressed the importance of preventing escalation in Lebanon, urging Netanyahu to avoid pushing the region into further conflict. The French president had previously criticized Netanyahu in September for actions that risked regional stability.

Amidst Macron's claims that France has halted arms sales to Israel, investigative media outlets have raised concerns about the transparency of French arms deliveries.

A report from Mediapart revealed that France supplied €30 million worth of military equipment to Israel in 2023, though it remains unclear if these shipments continued after Israel's offensive on Gaza began in October. Rights groups have called for greater clarity from the French government on the matter.

By Khagan Isayev