French Senate Speaker Criticizes Macron's Israel Stance, October 2024
- The speaker of the French Senate expressed astonishment at Emmanuel Macron's remarks regarding Israel's existence, which he deemed historically ignorant.
- Macron's comments, made during a cabinet meeting, suggested that Israel's foundation was linked to a UN resolution, prompting backlash from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
- The controversy highlights growing tensions between France and Israel, as well as concerns within the Jewish community in France.
On October 17, 2024, in France, the speaker of the French Senate, Gerard Larcher, publicly criticized President Emmanuel Macron for remarks he made regarding Israel's existence. Larcher expressed his astonishment at Macron's comments, which he believed demonstrated a lack of understanding of historical context. Macron had stated that Israel should remember its foundation was linked to a United Nations resolution, which sparked significant backlash from Israeli officials. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded sharply, asserting that Israel's establishment was a result of the 1948 Arab-Israeli war rather than a UN ruling. He emphasized the historical contributions of French Jews in the fight for Israel's independence, particularly those who suffered during the Holocaust. This exchange has intensified the already strained relations between France and Israel. The controversy surrounding Macron's comments has also raised alarms within the Jewish community in France, as it touches on sensitive historical issues regarding the legitimacy and recognition of Israel. Larcher questioned whether Macron had considered pivotal historical events, such as the Balfour Declaration and the Holocaust, in his statements. This incident reflects broader geopolitical tensions and the complexities of historical narratives surrounding Israel's founding, highlighting the need for careful discourse on such sensitive topics in international relations.