President Calls For Arms Sales Ban on Israel Over Gaza War

French President Emmanuel Macron called for a halt to arms transfers to Israel, which has bombed Gaza for a year and recently launched a military operation against Lebanon.
The priority today, I think, is to return to a political solution, to stop providing arms for the fighting in Gaza,” Macron told broadcaster France Inter on Saturday.
France is not providing any [weapons].”
France is not a major arms supplier to Israel, but as a major EU country and a permanent member of the UN Security Council, its voice is influential in international efforts to reach a political solution to the Gaza conflict.
In September, the United Kingdom also announced that it would suspend some of its arms exports to Israel, citing a “clear risk” that they would be used for serious violations of international humanitarian law.
President Macron reiterated his concern over Israel’s continued devastating attacks on Gaza despite repeated calls for a ceasefire.
‘I don’t think our voices are being heard. I think that is a mistake, including for Israel’s security,” he said, adding that the conflict is leading to ”hatred.”
Macron also criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu’s decision to send troops to Lebanon for a ground operation, saying that “avoiding escalation” should be a priority.
He said, “We must not sacrifice the Lebanese people. We must not turn Lebanon into another Gaza,” he said.
Macron’s remarks angered Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who called the remarks “a disgrace.”
He said, “When Israel fights the barbaric forces led by Iran, all civilized nations should stand firmly on Israel’s side. But President Macron and other Western leaders are calling for an arms embargo against Israel. Shame on them.”
Macron’s office issued a statement on Saturday calling France “an unwavering friend of Israel” and describing Prime Minister Netanyahu’s response as “an excess far removed from the friendly relations between France and Israel.”
Macron’s statement is seen as both a message to Israel and to the United States, a common ally and the largest arms supplier to Israel.
The U.S. State Department said in May that while there was not sufficient evidence to block the arms shipments, it was “reasonable to assess” that Israel used the weapons in a manner inconsistent with the standards of humanitarian law.
Qatar, a key mediator in Gaza ceasefire negotiations, said Macron’s statement was “an important and commendable step toward stopping the war.”
Jordan also welcomed the French leader’s remarks, stressing “the importance of a complete ban on arms exports to Israel” and the “practical consequences” for Israel’s actions.
Macron’s remarks come as Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot is on a four-day visit to the Middle East, which ends in Israel on Monday, as Paris hopes to play a role in reviving diplomatic efforts toward a ceasefire.