Netanyahu bashes Macron for call to pause arms sales to Israel: What a disgrace

French President Emmanuel Macron's call to halt arms deliveries to Israel for use in Gaza was sharply condemned by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who called the proposal a "disgrace".

In a video statement on Saturday, Netanyahu denounced Macron’s stance, stating that Israel was fighting a multi-front war against armed groups backed by Iran.

"As Israel fights the forces of barbarism led by Iran, all civilised countries should be standing firmly by Israel’s side," Netanyahu said. "Yet President Macron and other Western leaders are now calling for arms embargoes against Israel. Shame on them."

He pointed to Israel's battles on several fronts, including against Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, Shiite militias in Iraq and Syria, and terrorists in the West Bank.

Netanyahu sought to highlight the hypocrisy in the calls for a pause on arms shipments to Israel, asking whether Iran had restricted weapons to its allies.

"Of course not," the Israeli leader said. "This axis of terror stands together. But countries who supposedly oppose this terror axis call for an arms embargo on Israel. What a disgrace!"

Despite the international pressure, Netanyahu remained defiant, stating, "Israel will win with or without their support. But their shame will continue long after the war is won."

Macron had earlier suggested in an interview that shipments of arms to Israel used in the conflict in Gaza should be suspended to facilitate a political solution and avoid further escalation.

"I think we are not being heard," Macron said. "It is a mistake, including for the security of Israel," he added, expressing concerns that the war was breeding "hatred".

He also noted that avoiding escalation in Lebanon was a priority, even as Israel pummelled Hezbollah targets in Beirut. "Lebanon cannot become a new Gaza," the French leader stated.

Following Netanyahu’s strong rebuttal, Macron's office issued a statement describing France as a "steadfast friend of Israel", while terming Netanyahu’s remarks as "excessive and detached from the friendship" between the two nations.

Qatar, a mediator in ongoing Gaza ceasefire talks, praised Macron's statement as an “important and appreciated step towards stopping the war.”

Jordan also welcomed the French president's comments, calling for a "complete ban on the export of weapons to Israel" and stressing the need for “real consequences” for Israel's actions.

With AFP inputs