French President Emmanuel Macron's office stressed that "France is Israel's steadfast friend" after Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dubbed Macron's call for arms embargo a "disgrace", the Times of Israel reported on Sunday. According to the Times of Israel, the Elysee stressed that Macron "supports Israel's security and demonstrates it." Macron's office stated that France mobilised its military this week during Iran's missile attack, as it did in April, The Times of Israel reported.
As per the Times of Israel, Macron "personally told the Iranian president of France's commitment to Israel's security. He reiterated that France would not allow Iran or any of its proxies to attack Israel and would always find us facing it if it resorted to force. "At the same time, Macron believes that "the urgent need is to avoid the escalation of tensions in the region," including an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the Times of Israel quoted the Elysee as saying.
"It is in this context that the President calls for an end to arms exports intended for use in Gaza," Macron's office continues. "We must return to diplomatic solutions. France is Israel's steadfast friend, Netanyahu's words are excessive and unrelated to the friendship between France and Israel," the office said according to the Times of Israel.
In a video message on Sunday, Macron called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza as well as in Lebanon. "An immediate ceasefire is essential in Gaza as in Lebanon. We must avoid the escala.