French President calls for a halt to the supply of arms to Israel

PARIS (QJ)-French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a halt to the supply of arms to Israel, which has been conducting airstrikes in Gaza for a year, while also initiating a military operation against Lebanon.

Although France is not the leading supplier of arms to Israel, Macron’s voice carries significant weight as a key member of the European Union and a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, especially amid international efforts to find a political solution to the Gaza conflict.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to Macron’s call by stating that the restrictions would strengthen Iran’s resistance front. Netanyahu told Macron in a phone call, “As Iran supports all facets of Iran’s terrorism, Israel’s friends are expected to back us and not impose restrictions that strengthen Iran’s axis of evil,” according to a statement from the Israeli Prime Minister’s office.

In September, the United Kingdom also announced a halt to some arms exports to Israel, citing a “clear risk” that they could be used to violate international humanitarian law. This move reflects growing global concern about the potential misuse of arms in the ongoing conflict.