Macron Holds Talks with Netanyahu Amid Rising Tensions Over Arms Embargo

After the latter blasted the call by the French leader for imposing an arms embargo on Israel, French President Emmanuel Macron and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to hold a telephone conversation concerning the Middle East situation.

A statement from the Elysee Palace declared that during the conversation, both leaders acknowledged their different opinions on October 6 and pinpointed their mutual desire for better understanding.

According to a Chinese news agency, these indications came as Netanyahu was briefed by Macron about his belief that now it is time for a ceasefire.

The arms deliveries, the prolongation of the war in Gaza and its extension to Lebanon cannot produce the security that one expects from the Israelis and from all those in this region. We have to bring forth immediately the decisive effort which will enable us to develop the political solutions required for Israeli security and everyone in the Middle East," the Elysee statement read.

On the eve of the first anniversary of the Hamas' attack on Israel, Macron renewed the expression of solidarity by the people of France to the people of Israel, especially the victims, the hostages, and their families.

Relations between France and Israel have taken a tense turn over the weekend, following Macron's radio interview on the evening of October 5, in which he emphasized that the political solution must take priority in such circumstances and demanded a halt to weapons supplies to Israel for its Gaza operations.

Netanyahu strongly condemn the position, terming it, "President Macron and other leaders in the West are now calling for arms embargoes on Israel. Shame on them." He insisted that Israel would continue to triumph regardless of whatever support it derives from the outside world.

The French government said that French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot will today meet with Israeli officials to further discuss the matter.