France’s Macron Calls for Halt on Arms Deliveries to Israel Amidst Escalating Conflict

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for an immediate cessation of arms deliveries to Israel, citing the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the recent military operation in Lebanon, Al Jazeera reports.

 “I think that today, the priority is that we return to a political solution, that we stop delivering weapons to fight in Gaza,” Macron told France Inter.

He further stressed that France itself is not currently supplying any arms to Israel.

While France isn’t a major arms supplier to Israel, its influence as a key EU member and a permanent member of the UN Security Council carries significant weight in international efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Gaza.

Macron’s call echoes the UK’s earlier decision to suspend some arms exports to Israel in September, citing concerns over their potential use in violation of international humanitarian law.

Macron expressed deep concern over Israel’s continued airstrikes on Gaza, despite repeated calls for a ceasefire. He also criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to deploy troops in Lebanon, stating that “the priority should be to avoid escalation.”

Netanyahu responded to Macron’s remarks with a scathing statement, calling them a “disgrace.” Macron’s office retorted, reaffirming France’s “steadfast friendship with Israel” and characterizing Netanyahu’s reaction as “excessive and detached from the friendship between France and Israel.”

Macron’s statement is widely interpreted as a message aimed not only at Israel but also at the US, Israel’s largest arms provider. In May, the US Department of State stated they lacked sufficient evidence to block weapons shipments but acknowledged the possibility of Israel using arms in violation of humanitarian law.

Qatar, a key mediator in ceasefire talks, hailed Macron’s statement as “an important and appreciated step towards stopping the war.” Jordan also welcomed the French leader’s remarks, stressing “the importance of imposing a complete ban on the export of weapons to Israel” and calling for “real consequences” for Israel’s actions.

Macron’s comments come as his Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot is on a four-day visit to the Middle East, concluding in Israel on Monday. France is actively seeking to play a role in reviving diplomatic efforts to achieve a ceasefire.