Netanyahu calls Macron's call for arms embargo on Israel 'shameful'
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has labeled Western leaders, primarily French President Emmanuel Macron, who have called for an arms embargo on Israel, as "shameful," arguing that he is fighting for "civilization" against their proxies and, above all, Iran.
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In a video message released in English, Netanyahu addressed Macron, stating that he is "fighting on 7 fronts" against Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, proxy forces in Iraq and the occupied West Bank, and the Iran that stands behind them.
Asserting that "the entire civilized world should be standing by Israel as it fights against the barbaric Iran, which fired 200 ballistic missiles at it," Netanyahu stated, "Yet, Macron and other Western leaders are calling for an arms embargo on Israel. Shame on them."
Thanking those who stand with him and belittling those who oppose him, Netanyahu argued that "they will win with or without their support," adding, "Israel will fight until this battle is won, not just for itself, but for the peace and security of the entire world."
Citing Israel's "security," Netanyahu did not address the humanitarian and regional catastrophe he has caused since October 7, 2023, primarily in Gaza, the West Bank, and now in Lebanon. With Israel's year-long attacks on Gaza, nearly 42,000 Palestinians have lost their lives, including approximately 17,000 children and 12,000 women.
Although experts have characterized the images of Israel bombing Palestinians on their own land in Gaza for a year since October 7, 2023, as violations of international, war, and humanitarian law, the world has been watching for a year but has been unable to stop it.
Despite the loss of life and displacement resulting from the scenario in which Israel has moved its attacks from Gaza and Palestinian territories to Lebanon, the U.S. has announced an increased military aid package of 8.7 billion dollars for Israel.
There is concern that the regional conflict will become more intense and complex with the response expected from Israel following Iran's recent ballistic missile attack.
French President Emmanuel Macron had called for a halt to the shipment of weapons that Israel would use in its attacks on Gaza.
Stating that the priority in the region should be to return to a political solution and that weapons used in the attacks in Gaza should be embargoed, Macron had expressed that Israel must defend itself while complying with international law and humanitarian law.
Macron had emphasized that "terrorism cannot be fought by sacrificing civilian populations," adding, "Lebanon cannot become a new Gaza."