Macron Lands in Israel, Will Meet With Netanyahu and Abu Mazen

With the security situation raging in the south and north, French President Emmanuel Macron landed in Israel today (Tuesday) to meet with the President, Prime Minister, and PA Chairman Abu Mazen. Macron is also expected to meet with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Opposition Leader Yair Lapid.

As reported yesterday, France called on Israel for a “just response and not falling into the trap of Hamas,” as French Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne said during a discussion at the National Assembly. She also said that “France is a friend of Israel and the Palestinians.”

She then asked for a “humanitarian truce to allow the distribution of aid in the Gaza Strip. The opening at Rafah crossing is still very limited and we call on opening the Rafah gate to allow new transfers of aid which may lead to a cease fire.”

She added that “even in the most difficult and bitter battles, we must not lose sight of what makes us a democratic country – our values, respect for the rule of law, such as international humanitarian law.”

In her speech, the Prime Minister also sought to mention the historic relations between France and the Palestinians: “France is the friend of Israel, the friend of the Palestinians, and the friend of Arab states in the region. This is an independent position we have always preserved,” she said.