Macron Criticizes Israeli Settler Violence, Gaza Conditions; Netanyahu's Office Retaliates

French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday criticized Israeli actions and settler violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, stating that respecting the Palestinian people's right to exist is a prerequisite for Israel's security. He described the situation in Gaza as a "scene that shames us all." These remarks, made during a speech to the UN General Assembly in New York, drew a sharp response from the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Macron advocated for the two-state solution and condemned ongoing attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank, alongside the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which he noted persisted despite a "superficial peace." He questioned the justification for daily violations against Palestinians in the West Bank, asserting that Hamas was not the cause of these issues. The French president warned that continued settler violence undermines the Palestinian right to exist on their land, emphasizing that respecting this "legitimate right" is essential for Israel's future security.

He defended the recognition of a Palestinian state and the two-state solution, deeming it unacceptable to remain inactive in the face of events in Gaza and the West Bank. Macron challenged the credibility of nations that stand by idly, particularly regarding Gaza, and questioned the value of a "peace" that offers no humanitarian relief. He reiterated that establishing a Palestinian state alongside Israel would guarantee, not contradict, its security.

In response, Netanyahu's office called Macron's statement "laughably absurd," particularly his remarks about Hamas in the West Bank. The Israeli statement referenced the recent killing of an Israeli settler near the settlement of "Halamish," noting the victim was French and a father of six. Netanyahu's office claimed the settler was "murdered in his car by a Hamas terrorist in Judea and Samaria," and alleged that Hamas operatives carry out near-daily attacks against Israelis in the West Bank.

The Prime Minister's office stated, "Ignorance is no excuse for erasing their blood," but did not directly address Macron's criticisms regarding settler violence or violations against Palestinians. Instead, it focused on the "Halamish" incident and the victim's French nationality.

Separately, the head of the West Bank settlement council, Yisrael Gantz, attacked Macron, calling him a "denier of terrorism" and accusing him of spreading "fake news." Gantz also cited the "Halamish" incident, repeating the claim that the perpetrator belonged to Hamas, and demanded Macron retract his statements, calling them "despicable support for Hamas."