Netanyahu calls Macron’s UN speech remarks on Hamas ‘grotesque absurdity’

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sharply criticised French President Emmanuel Macron on September 23 after Macron called on the international community at the UN General Assembly to stop arming Israel for use in Gaza.

Netanyahu’s response

Netanyahu called Macron’s remarks a “grotesque absurdity,” saying Israel was fighting for its survival against Hamas, which he described as a genocidal terrorist organisation. He said Macron’s statement was “a stain on France” and accused him of emboldening Hamas.

The Israeli prime minister said the weapons embargo suggestion was particularly shocking coming from a leader of a country that had itself suffered terrorist attacks. He added that Israel would continue to defend itself regardless of international pressure.

Macron’s speech

In his address to the UN General Assembly, Macron said France would no longer export weapons to Israel for use in Gaza and called on other countries to do the same. He said the priority must be a ceasefire and the release of hostages, and that the humanitarian situation in Gaza was “unacceptable.”