In an exclusive interview given to the French newspaper Le Figaro, the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commenting, among other things, French President Emmanuel Macron’s stance on an international embargo against Israel on weapons used in Gaza and Lebanon, called it “shameful” and called on France to change its policy.
In particular, he said: “Israel believes that its friends in Europe, like Francethey must support you. Because it is our common civilization that we defend in the seven-front war we wage against the Iranian axis of terrorism. In our fight against Hamas, against Hezbollah, against the Houthis, against the Iranian regime, we are fighting against people who hate all the values that Europe stands for. How Iran ensures that supporters of terrorism in the Middle East are well armed, France calls for arms embargo on Israel. Although we do not receive weapons from France, I find this appeal shameful. I hope that France will change its policy so that we can work together on the stability of Lebanon, as well as on other regional issues.”
Invited to comment declaration by the French president that Israel was created by the United NationsBenjamin Netanyahu argued that this is a sign of historical ignorance and disrespect. The United Nations recognized the right of the Jewish people to a statebut they certainly didn’t create it. The Jewish people have been tied to the land of Israel for 3,500 years, he said, commenting that “to say that the UN created the State of Israel is a sad distortion of history.”
Asked about his plan for the future of the Gaza Strippresented it as follows: “Our three objectives for building lasting peace in Gaza are: 1) dismantle Hamas’s military and political capabilities – this has largely been achieved – 2) demilitarize the Gaza Strip – this will be part of any future political settlement- 3) the de-radicalization of Palestinian society in Gaza – it is important that people there are no longer taught to hate and massacre Jews from a young age. This de-radicalization will be achieved with the help, on the ground, of international partners who have had. success in this domain. And that is what will guarantee a peaceful future for both Palestinians and Israelis.”
Source: AMPE