French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent comment regarding the creation of the Israeli state has added fuel to the already tense relationship between France and Israel. Macron’s statement, which suggested that stopping the export of weapons to Israel could help end conflicts in the Middle East, was swiftly condemned by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as distorting history.
France, home to Europe’s largest Jewish population, has been vocal in calling for ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon while criticizing Israel for civilian casualties. Tensions escalated further when organizers of a defense show in Paris announced that Israeli exhibitors would not be welcome, following a decision by the French government.
Despite Netanyahu’s rebuttal that Israel’s founding was not a result of a U.N. resolution but rather the 1948 Arab-Israeli war, Macron stood by his comments. The exchange between the two leaders underscored the strained relations, prompting concerns within the French Jewish community and questions about the implications of Macron’s statement.
The disagreement has stirred controversy and divided opinions, with some questioning Macron’s approach towards the Israel-Palestine conflict. As tensions persist, it remains uncertain how the diplomatic rift between France and Israel will be resolved.