Macron Claims Hamas Not Active in West Bank; Netanyahu Calls Statement 'Absurd'
Translated & summarized from JDN by baba
French President Emmanuel Macron claimed Hamas has not been violent in the West Bank, sparking strong condemnation from Israeli officials including Prime Minister Netanyahu, who cited a recent deadly attack by a Hamas operative. Officials dismissed Macron's remarks as detached from reality and accused him of ignorance or falsehood.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Macron claimed Hamas has never acted violently in the West Bank.
- Netanyahu's office called Macron's statement 'absurd' and 'ignorant'.
- Israel cited a recent fatal attack by a Hamas operative as evidence.
- Other Israeli officials, including Gadi Eisenkot, criticized Macron's remarks.
- Macron also discussed Palestinian statehood and Israeli security policy.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated during a speech at the UN General Assembly on Tuesday that Hamas has "never acted violently in the West Bank." This assertion drew sharp criticism from Israel, particularly in light of recent Hamas activity in the region and a deadly attack earlier in the week. Macron made the claim while criticizing Israeli actions in the West Bank, suggesting that respecting Palestinian rights is also crucial for Israel's security.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office vehemently rejected Macron's remarks, pointing to the murder of Natanel Sharon, a French citizen and father of six, by a Hamas operative near the settlement of Neve Tzuf just days prior. "Ignorance is no excuse for erasing blood," the Prime Minister's office stated, noting that the arrested suspect in the attack was identified as a Hamas operative.
Other Israeli officials also condemned Macron's statement. Gadi Eisenkot, former commander of the IDF's Central Command, described the French president's claim as "extremely disconnected from reality on the ground," citing his personal knowledge of Hamas's operations and the threat it poses to Israelis. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich accused Macron of lying and also referenced the killing of Natanel Sharon, asserting that Hamas is a significant force in West Bank terrorism.
Macron's speech also addressed the Gaza conflict and efforts towards Palestinian statehood recognition. He argued that Israel's security cannot be achieved by infringing on its neighbors' sovereignty, stating that such a policy weakens Israel's own security.
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