Netanyahu condemned French President Emmanuel Macron's UN remarks calling Israeli actions in the West Bank "daily violations," labeling the comments "grotesque." Gadi Eisenkot echoed the criticism, saying Macron's view did not match reality and stressing Israel's long fight against terrorism in the West Bank. A French diplomat clarified Macron meant Hamas "does not govern the West Bank." The article notes a marked rise in violence in the territory since October 7, 2023, including settler attacks, suspected Palestinian assaults, and deadly army operations.
Netanyahu Labels Macron's UN Criticism Of West Bank 'Grotesque' As Violence Escalates
FILE PHOTO - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivers an address. (is associated with: «Israel's Netanyahu calls Macron's UN remarks on West Bank 'grotesque'») Ilia Yefimovich/dpa
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sharply rebuked French President Emmanuel Macron after Macron accused Israel of committing "daily violations" in the occupied West Bank during his address to the UN General Assembly. The exchange highlights growing diplomatic friction as violence in the West Bank has intensified since the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023, and the ensuing Gaza war.
Macron, speaking at the UN's annual General Debate, drew attention to alleged ongoing rights abuses in the occupied territory while noting that Hamas does not govern the West Bank as it does Gaza. A French diplomat subsequently told The Times Of Israel that Macron intended to convey that Hamas "does not govern the West Bank."
Netanyahu's office called Macron's remarks "grotesque," saying members of Hamas have carried out deadly attacks against Israeli civilians in the West Bank. The prime minister's response framed the comments as insensitive to Israeli security concerns.
Domestic Political Reactions
Former Israel Defense Forces chief and Netanyahu political rival Gadi Eisenkot also criticized Macron's statement, saying it did not reflect the situation on the ground. Writing on X, Eisenkot said Israel has been "battling terror in the West Bank for many long years" and argued that the fight against terror is non-negotiable.
Security Situation in the West Bank
The security environment in the West Bank has deteriorated significantly since October 7, 2023. Incidents cited in recent reporting include attacks by individual Palestinian assailants against Israelis and a marked rise in violence by radical Israeli settlers against Palestinians. Israeli military operations in the West Bank have also resulted in fatalities, and the army faces repeated accusations of failing to act decisively against settler violence—or of cooperating with settlers in some cases.
From Netanyahu's office: "Grotesque."
The dispute between Israel and France at the UN underscores broader international scrutiny of Israel's conduct in the occupied territories and growing tensions at home over both security policy and civilian safety. Observers say the diplomatic disagreement may deepen debate among Israel's allies about how to balance security concerns with human-rights considerations.
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