Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched a scathing critique of French President Emmanuel Macron and several other Western leaders on Saturday, reproaching them for advocating an arms embargo against Israel in light of its military operations against Hamas in Gaza. “As Israel grapples with the relentless forces of barbarism spearheaded by Iran, every civilized nation ought to firmly align with Israel. Yet, here we have President Macron and others calling for an embargo. What a travesty,” Netanyahu stated emphatically.
He further asserted, “Is Iran wielding an arms embargo against its proxies—Hezbollah, the Houthis, Hamas? Absolutely not. This coalition of terror unites in purpose, yet bizarrely, nations that profess to oppose this axis of terror are clamoring for an arms embargo against Israel.” Labeling their calls as a “disgrace,” Netanyahu declared that while Israel would triumph regardless of their support, the ignominy of such actions would linger long after the war concludes.
In a separate but related note, former President Donald Trump urged Israel to target Iran’s nuclear facilities, criticizing the Biden administration’s response to the ongoing conflict.
Netanyahu underscored Israel’s multi-faceted battle on diverse fronts, confronting threats from Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and various militias in Iraq and Syria, as well as from Iran itself. Meanwhile, Macron announced that France will cease supplying arms to Israel, although it will continue to provide missile defense systems. “Today, the priority is to revert to a political resolution and halt the arms shipments fueling the conflict in Gaza,” Macron articulated in an interview.
On the ground, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted operations on the same day, successfully raiding and dismantling a substantial Hezbollah command center hidden underground in Lebanon. IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari reported on a press call that troops uncovered a fearsome 250-meter tunnel, situated a mere 300 meters from the border, which did not encroach upon Israeli territory. “These facilities were designed specifically for Hezbollah terrorists to launch attacks on Galilee communities,” he elaborated.
In the broader context, U.S. support for Israel remains steadfast even as President Biden has expressed disapproval regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza, where civilian casualties have surpassed tens of thousands. “What he’s doing is a mistake,” Biden remarked in August, advocating for a cease-fire. This week, during an unexpected press briefing at the White House, Biden hinted at uncertainties surrounding Netanyahu’s intentions: “Is he trying to sway the upcoming election? I can’t say. But I’m not banking on it.” He reaffirmed his administration’s strong backing of Israel, asserting, “No administration has supported Israel more than I have. None.”
