Portrait of Emmanuel Macron
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Emmanuel Macron on Benjamin Netanyahu

Rival Diplomatic Partner (strong) Position evolved

French President Emmanuel Macron's relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is characterized by periods of solidarity interspersed with significant public disagreement, particularly regarding the conduct of the war in Gaza and long-term peace prospects. Macron has maintained a complex posture, affirming Israel's right to security while simultaneously becoming an increasingly vocal critic of Netanyahu's policies on settlements and military operations in Gaza, leading to direct, high-level conflict between the two leaders.

This tension escalated dramatically following France's recognition of a Palestinian state, which Netanyahu claimed fueled antisemitism in France, a charge Macron fiercely rejected as an "abject" manipulation. Macron has repeatedly called for an end to the "murderous and illegal permanent war in Gaza," asserting that Netanyahu's government risks isolating Israel and undermining its long-term security through its current course of action.

Context

As President of France, Emmanuel Macron is a key figure in European foreign policy and holds a significant diplomatic platform from which to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. His relationship with Benjamin Netanyahu, who has served multiple terms as Israel's Prime Minister, is central to France's Middle East strategy, often balancing the traditionally pro-Israel stance with a strong commitment to a two-state solution.

Macron's policy has evolved, particularly since late 2023, moving from general support for Israel's security right to more explicit and public criticism of Netanyahu's government's conduct in Gaza and its settlement expansion. This shift has led to direct, unprecedented public clashes between the two leaders, highlighting a significant divergence in their approaches to securing peace and regional stability.

Timeline

  1. President Macron spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu regarding the escalating conflict between Israel and Palestinians, condemning Hamas rocket attacks while affirming Israel's right to defend itself.
  2. Following Hamas's attacks, Macron condemned them, spoke with Netanyahu, and stated France stood in solidarity with Israel and its right to self-defense.
  3. President Macron called for a halt on arms deliveries to Israel for use in Gaza and criticized Netanyahu's decision for ground operations in Lebanon, which provoked a sharp rebuke from Netanyahu.
  4. Following France's earlier decision to recognize a Palestinian state, Netanyahu sent a letter to Macron accusing France of fueling antisemitism, a claim Macron later described as "erroneous" and "abject."
  5. Macron issued a public letter to Netanyahu, warning against continuing the Gaza offensive and settlement policies, while strongly rejecting Netanyahu's claims that France's actions were emboldening antisemitism.

Actions Taken

  1. Diplomatic Communication
    Condemned rocket attacks by Hamas and expressed solidarity with Israel's right to self-defense in discussions with Netanyahu.
  2. Diplomatic Communication
    Condemned attacks against Israel and discussed the situation with Prime Minister Netanyahu.
  3. Policy Statement/Intervention
    Called for a halt on arms deliveries to Israel for use in Gaza and criticized Netanyahu's decision regarding Lebanon operations.
  4. Official Statement/Diplomatic Warning
    Issued a public letter to Netanyahu urging an end to the Gaza war and condemning West Bank settlement expansion as "illegal and unjustifiable recolonization."

Key Quotes

I solemnly appeal to you to end the desperate race of a murderous and illegal permanent war in Gaza, causing indignity for your country and placing your people in a deadlock.

Letter to Benjamin Netanyahu August 26, 2025 — Urging an end to the ongoing military operation in Gaza.

These accusations of inaction in the face of a scourge that we are fighting with everything in our power are unacceptable and are an offense to France as a whole.

Letter published in several newspapers August 26, 2025 — Responding to Netanyahu's claim of rising antisemitism in France.

France stands in solidarity with Israel and the Israelis, committed to their security and their right to defend themselves.

Social media post (X) October 7, 2023 — Immediately following the initial Hamas attacks.

Related Positions

  • Palestinian State Recognition Macron's commitment to recognizing a Palestinian state is a major source of current friction with Netanyahu's government.
  • Gaza Conflict Macron has taken a strong critical stance on Netanyahu's military campaign and humanitarian impact in Gaza.

Criticism

Benjamin Netanyahu

Accused Macron's promise to recognize a Palestinian state of pouring "fuel on this antisemitism fire," calling the move appeasement of Hamas.

Benjamin Netanyahu

Stated that leaders calling for an arms embargo against Israel, like Macron, should feel 'Shame on them,' as Israel fights the 'forces of barbarism.'