Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office has strongly criticized French President Emmanuel Macron's comments during a recent UN speech, accusing him of downplaying the threat posed by Hamas in the West Bank. Macron's remarks, which emphasized the humanitarian situation in Gaza and called for renewed commitment to international law, were seen by Israeli officials as an attempt to justify what they describe as "aggression."
The Israeli government claims that Macron's statements ignored the active presence of Hamas in the West Bank, a region where the Palestinian Authority is based. This has sparked a diplomatic row, with Israeli officials calling Macron's remarks "grotesque" and "absurd." The tension comes amid ongoing military operations in Gaza, where Hamas has been accused of launching attacks against Israeli civilians.
Netanyahu's office has warned that such statements could undermine international support for Israel's security measures. Meanwhile, Macron has defended his position, arguing that the international community must prioritize humanitarian concerns and uphold the rule of law. The disagreement highlights the growing divide between Israel and some Western allies on how to address the conflict.
The situation remains volatile, with both sides continuing to assert their positions on the role of Hamas and the broader implications for regional stability.
