Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized French President Emmanuel Macron and other Western leaders for calling for an arms embargo on Israel due to its airstrikes against Hamas in Gaza. Netanyahu slammed their stance as a “disgrace,” stating that while Israel will win the battle with or without their support, their shame will persist. He emphasized that Israel is defending itself against barbarism and standing up against those who seek to spread fanaticism. Netanyahu highlighted that Israel is fighting on multiple fronts, including against Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Lebanon, Shiite militias in Iraq and Syria, and terrorists in Judea and Samaria and Iran.
On the same day, Macron announced that France would no longer supply arms to Israel, although missile defense equipment will still be sent. Macron stressed the importance of returning to a political solution and ending the delivery of weapons used in the conflict in Gaza. Concurrently, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) raided and dismantled a Hezbollah underground command complex in Lebanon. IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari described finding a terror tunnel, a kitchenette, weapons, and command rooms inside the complex, intended for use in an attack on communities in the Galilee. The U.S. continues to provide arms to Israel, despite President Biden’s criticism of Israel’s actions in the conflict with Gaza, where many civilians have died.
Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s commitment to fighting against forces of barbarism and defending civilization in the face of rising fanaticism. He condemned calls for an arms embargo on Israel, pointing out that Iran does not impose such restrictions on its proxies, including Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Hamas. Netanyahu maintained that Israel will continue to fight until the battle is won for the sake of peace and security globally. On a separate front, the IDF’s successful operation to dismantle a Hezbollah underground complex in Lebanon underscored the ongoing threats that Israel faces from multiple adversaries across the region.
President Macron’s decision to halt arms supplies to Israel marked a shift in France’s approach to the conflict, emphasizing a preference for a political solution and cessation of the weapon deliveries fueling violence in Gaza. The IDF’s discovery of the Hezbollah command complex exposed the threats posed by terrorist organizations aiming to harm Israeli communities in the Galilee. President Biden’s critique of Netanyahu’s handling of the conflict in Gaza, alongside continued U.S. arms support to Israel, highlighted the complex dynamics and differing perspectives within Western leadership regarding the situation in the region. Netanyahu, on the other hand, emphasized the necessity of Israel’s defense against numerous adversaries to maintain peace and security.
