Bitter End to Macron-Netanyahu Friendship: A Tale of Sharp Jabs and Cutting Comebacks
Tensions are escalating between the two leaders, who were once close allies since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas conflict, with their latest disagreement focusing on the establishment of the State of Israel. What will they argue about next?
Strained Relations
The current conflict between Israel and Hamas has strained the previously close relationship between French President Emmanuel Macron and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The latest point of contention is the founding of the State of Israel.
The Controversial Role of the UN
Last Tuesday, tensions escalated when Macron’s comments at a Cabinet meeting were leaked, sparking debate: “Mr. Netanyahu must not forget that his country was established by a UN decision”. Macron was referring to UN General Assembly Resolution 181, passed in 1947, which proposed the partition of Palestine into a Jewish and an Arab state.
This decision, rejected by Palestinians and Arab countries, led to the 1948-1949 Arab-Israeli War and the proclamation of the State of Israel.
A Sharp Response from Netanyahu
“A reminder to the president of France: it wasn’t the UN resolution that established the State of Israel, but rather the victory in the War of Independence earned with the blood of heroic fighters, many of whom were Holocaust survivors – from the Vichy regime in France.”, Netanyahu sharply retorted, clearly stung by Macron’s remarks.
Call for a Ceasefire
This heated exchange comes as France pushes for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, condemning what it calls “deliberate” Israeli strikes on UN peacekeeper positions. Meanwhile, Netanyahu claims Hezbollah is using UN facilities to attack Israel and opposes a unilateral ceasefire.
Macron also urged to “stop supplying weapons for the fighting in Gaza”, a statement primarily aimed at the United States, eliciting another vehement response from Netanyahu. Despite these tensions, both leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to overcoming their differences, highlighting France’s unwavering commitment to Israel’s security.