Macron's UN Remarks on Hamas Spark Outrage in Israel

French President Emmanuel Macron stated at the UN on Tuesday that Hamas does not operate in the West Bank, questioning Israel's actions there. His remarks drew sharp criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Gadi Eisenkot, a prominent political figure and former military commander. Netanyahu responded via social media, calling Macron's statement "ridiculous absurdity" and highlighting the recent murder of French-Israeli citizen Natanel Shokron, a father of six, by a Hamas operative in the West Bank just two days prior, on the eve of Yom Kippur. Netanyahu asserted that Hamas operatives carry out attacks against Jews in the West Bank almost daily.

Gadi Eisenkot, who previously commanded forces in the West Bank, tweeted that Macron's statement was "extremely detached from reality on the ground." Eisenkot emphasized his familiarity with Hamas's activities in the region from his military service and stated that the fight against terror is not negotiable and that international hypocrisy at the expense of Israeli citizens' security is unacceptable.

The controversy comes as Prime Minister Netanyahu is set to travel to New York for his address at the UN General Assembly on Thursday. He is expected to discuss the situation in the Middle East and the threats posed by Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah.

Natanel Shokron was killed near the settlement of Neve Tzuf when a Hamas-affiliated terrorist opened fire on his vehicle. He was critically wounded and later died at the hospital. The assailant was injured by IDF fire, escaped to a hospital in Ramallah, and was subsequently arrested by Israeli forces.