French President Emmanuel Macron cautioned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against disregarding United Nations decisions, emphasizing that Israel’s establishment stemmed from a U.N. resolution in 1947.
In a French cabinet meeting, French President Emmanuel Macron stated, “Mr Netanyahu must not forget that his country was created by a decision of the UN,” referring to the resolution adopted in November 1947 by the United Nations General Assembly on the plan to partition Palestine into a Jewish state and an Arab state.
“Therefore this is not the time to disregard the decisions of the UN,” he added.
Macron expressed concerns over Israel’s ongoing offensives in Gaza and Lebanon and stressed the need to uphold UN resolutions.
Israel Responds to Macron
Netanyahu’s office responded to Macron’s comments by dismissing the role of the U.N. in Israel’s establishment, claiming Israel was created through a “War of Independence,” not by the 1947 U.N. resolution.
The statement also accused the U.N. of passing numerous anti-Semitic resolutions over the years, aimed at denying Israel’s right to exist and defend itself. This response shifts focus from Israel’s responsibility in ongoing conflicts and U.N. criticisms.
Netanyahu’s assertion that Israel was established solely through a “War of Independence” rather than a U.N. decision sidesteps historical facts. The 1947 U.N. General Assembly resolution played a pivotal role in creating Israel, by officially endorsing the partition of Palestine. His claims about the U.N.’s alleged anti-Semitic decisions also deflect from Israel’s current disregard for U.N. resolutions, especially regarding the treatment of Palestinians. Rather than acknowledging this international framework, Netanyahu’s response appears to deny the U.N.’s foundational role, undermining its calls for accountability today.
Rising Tensions Between Israel & France
In a recent interview, French President Emmanuel Macron also called for a halt to arms deliveries to Israel, prompting a strong rebuke from Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, who criticized Macron’s stance. Macron’s warning references incidents in southern Lebanon, where Israeli fire injured two U.N. peacekeepers, drawing condemnation from 40 countries. Following the incident, France summoned Israel’s ambassador, and Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu reiterated Macron’s position, highlighting that Israel was created by one of the earliest U.N. resolutions and should respect international mandates.
This exchange occurred amid rising concerns of a broader conflict that includes Lebanon and Iran after Palestine. Recent reports highlight the devastating toll of Israel’s brutal actions, with over 42,227 killed in Gaza and 2,350 in Lebanon.
Macron and Netanyahu have traded criticisms, reflecting the growing strain in international relations as civilian casualties escalate.
