Netanyahu challenges Macron on Israel's UN Creation Claim
- Macron stated that Israel was created by a UN decision during a cabinet meeting, referencing the 1947 partition plan.
- Netanyahu responded by emphasizing that Israel's establishment was due to the sacrifices made during the War of Independence.
- The exchange highlights ongoing tensions in the region, with Netanyahu condemning calls for an arms embargo against Israel.
On October 15, 2024, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to French President Emmanuel Macron's assertion that Israel was established by a United Nations decision. Macron made these comments during a cabinet meeting, referencing the 1947 UN resolution that proposed the partition of Palestine into Jewish and Arab states. Netanyahu countered that Israel's creation was a result of the sacrifices made during the War of Independence, emphasizing the role of Israeli fighters, many of whom were Holocaust survivors. This exchange occurred amid ongoing tensions in the region, particularly following the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas, which escalated after an unprovoked attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Macron's remarks also included a call for an arms embargo against Israel, which Netanyahu criticized as hypocritical, given Iran's support for militant groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. He argued that civilized nations should support Israel in its fight against terrorism, rather than impose restrictions on its military capabilities. The situation remains complex, with calls for a political solution and cease-fire amidst ongoing violence in Gaza and Lebanon, highlighting the challenges of achieving peace in the region.