Chicago – October 11, 2024
French President Emmanuel Macron has emphasized the need to stop arms exports to Israel as a critical strategy to end ongoing conflicts in those regions.
Speaking in Cyprus during a Med9 meeting—a gathering of Mediterranean EU nations—Macron clarified that this proposal is not aimed at disarming Israel but rather at preventing further instability.
The backdrop to Macron’s statements includes a year-long conflict initiated by Hezbollah, which started launching rockets at northern Israel in support of Hamas.
This escalated into intense military actions, with Israel responding with airstrikes and ground forces in southern Lebanon and areas like Beirut’s suburbs and the Bekaa Valley. These conflicts have resulted in numerous casualties and have increased regional tensions.
Macron reiterated his call for a ceasefire, stressing its importance for protecting hostages and civilians and preventing wider regional conflict.
He also reaffirmed France’s stance against weapon exports used in these conflicts, mentioning that France’s military exports to Israel were relatively minor at 30 million euros last year.
