Macron's UN Speech Sparks Outrage in Israel Over Hamas Claims

French President Emmanuel Macron drew sharp criticism from Israeli officials and commentators after stating at the UN General Assembly that Hamas has never been active in the West Bank. Macron's remarks, made during a speech on Tuesday, were described as "embarrassing ignorance" by Israeli media. He stated, "Just look at what is happening in the West Bank. Day after day we see violations. And in the name of what? Hamas has never been active in the West Bank."

Macron also emphasized the need to respect the Palestinian people's legitimate right to exist, calling it a prerequisite for Israel's security. He further criticized the "so-called peace in Gaza" for not opening humanitarian corridors and condemned "settler violence in the West Bank," asserting it harms the Palestinian right to exist.

Israeli figures reacted strongly to Macron's assertion about Hamas. Journalist Amit Segal sarcastically commented that claiming Hamas is not active in the West Bank is akin to calling Macron a tall, successful, and popular president. Military correspondent Doron Kedosh pointed to a recent attack where the perpetrator was identified as a Hamas operative, stating, "For the information of President Macron: the terrorist who murdered Natanel Shkaron, may he rest in peace, just the evening before Yom Kippur, was a Hamas operative."