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French President Emmanuel Macron has ignited a diplomatic storm by calling for an immediate halt on arms sales to Israel, a move that comes as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues to escalate and Israel's military operation in Lebanon raises concerns about regional instability. Macron's statement, made during an interview with France Inter on Saturday, has been met with strong condemnation from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who described it as a 'disgrace.' The French president's remarks have also drawn attention to the role of other international actors, particularly the United States, the largest arms provider to Israel, in the ongoing crisis.
Macron's call for an arms embargo highlights the growing international pressure on Israel to de-escalate the conflict in Gaza, which has entered its second year. While France itself is not a major supplier of weapons to Israel, Macron's statement carries significant weight due to France's position as a key player within the European Union and as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. His remarks also echo those of the United Kingdom, which in September suspended some arms exports to Israel, citing concerns that they could be used in violation of international humanitarian law. The ongoing conflict has drawn condemnation from various international organizations and human rights groups, with concerns raised over the disproportionate impact of Israeli airstrikes on Palestinian civilians.
Beyond the Gaza conflict, Macron's criticism extends to Israel's recent military incursion into Lebanon. He argues that the focus should be on preventing further escalation and that Lebanon should not become another Gaza. Macron's statement reflects the broader international apprehension about the possibility of a wider regional conflict engulfing the Middle East. The Israeli government's justification for the operation in Lebanon, citing threats from Hezbollah, has been met with skepticism from some quarters, which view it as a further escalation of tensions in the region. Macron's comments underscore the delicate balance of power in the Middle East and the interconnected nature of the various conflicts playing out in the region. The international community's response to Macron's statement will be closely watched, as it could have significant implications for the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the broader regional security landscape.
Source: France’s Macron calls for arms sales ban on Israel as Gaza war nears a year