France committed to Israel’s security, says Macron after Netanyahu criticises arms embargo call

French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed Sunday his country’s “unwavering commitment” to Israel’s security in a phone call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while insisting on a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon.

Macron reiterated to Netanyahu that France’s “commitment to Israel’s security is unwavering and reminded him of the mobilisation of French military resources in its defence during the attacks carried out by Iran in recent months”, the statement said.

During the conversation, PM Netanyahu told Emmanuel Macron that Israel expects support from France and not restrictions after the French president called for a halt to arms supplies to Israel for use in Gaza.

“On the eve of the first anniversary of the Hamas terrorist offensive against Israel, he expressed the solidarity of the French people with the Israeli people,” the French presidency said.

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Macron had also voiced “his conviction that the time for a ceasefire has now come”.

The two leaders had the call on the eve of commemorations for the October 7th attacks – and a day after a heated exchange following Macron’s comments in favour of halting deliveries of Israeli weapons that could be used in the war in Gaza.

They discussed “the situation in the Middle East, and in all frankness and respect of the friendship between France and Israel”, the presidency said.

“The two leaders accepted their differences of opinion, as well as their desire to be understood by each other,” it added.

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Israel is engaged on several fronts, waging war against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, where it has been conducting ground operations since Monday. It has also threatened to retaliate against a massive missile attack by Iran last Tuesday.

Netanyahu on Saturday slammed French President Emmanuel Macron for calling for a halt to arms supplies to Israel, which is fighting wars in Gaza and Lebanon.

With inputs from agencies.