Macron: Ceasefire in Gaza means cutting weapons to 'Israel' short
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According to Foreign Policy in Focus, Emmanuel Macron's comments about Gaza may be the beginning of a broader European shift away from Israeli actions.
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Emmanuel Macron and Benjamin Netanyahu during a meeting in occupied al-Quds (Undated, AFP)
French President Emmanuel Macron took a year to face the fact that "Israel" cannot continue to be supplied with weapons if there is to be peace in Gaza, Foreign Policy in Focus reported.
Revealing his position, Macron declared that "the priority is that we return to a political solution, that we stop delivering weapons to fight in Gaza.” He was unambiguous in his statement, adding, “If you call for a ceasefire, it’s only consistent that you do not supply weapons of war.”
Although Macron claimed that France does not give "Israel" offensive weapons, his strong remarks appeared to be directed at the United States, which remains "Israel's" top arms supplier. France has also prohibited Israeli companies from participating in arms exhibitions and trade shows.
The Israeli war on Gaza has so far killed more than 42,000 Palestinians since October 7 of last year, while in Lebanon, Israeli strikes have killed more than 1,200 people since September 23.
Macron's comment adds to a shift in Europe's stance, challenging long-standing backing for Israeli actions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded with traditional Israeli propaganda touting "self-defense" and alleged that "Israel fights the forces of barbarism led by Iran, all civilized nations should stand by us." Netanyahu referred to Macron's comments as a "disgrace" in a video addressed to the President and vowed that the occupation would continue its slaughter with or without French help.
According to FPIF, Macron's reluctance to fully support "Israel" despite the West's longstanding alignment with its security interests reflects a growing realization among European leaders that "Israel's" behavior has surpassed "lawful self-defense" and into "excessive, unchecked aggression."
Macron's bluntness may prompt other leaders particularly those in the United States and Germany to reassess their role in feeding this never-ending cycle of bloodshed.
More European capitals are already experiencing enormous pro-Palestine rallies, suggesting growing European dissatisfaction with Netanyahu's expansionist approach to the war.
Netanyahu's policy is motivated by the desire to preserve political power by escalating confrontations and depicting "Israel" as under attack rather than an aggressor. He has gathered support from his far-right base while repressing appeals for peace and his actions in Gaza have amounted to war crimes.
While European governments have previously disregarded such infractions, Macron's current diplomatic stance may indicate a shift in Europe's approach to "Israel".
As the images from Gaza become more grim, Netanyahu continues to escape accountability for political advantage and deepens his isolation on the world stage.
