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

French President Emmanuel Macron's address at the UN General Assembly has triggered a sharp diplomatic dispute with Israel, primarily due to his assertion that Hamas has "never been particularly active" in the West Bank. Israeli officials vehemently condemned this statement, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calling it "outrageous and absurd." Netanyahu's office highlighted the recent killing of Natanel Shicron, an Israeli-French father of six, in a West Bank attack just days before Macron's speech, emphasizing Hamas's ongoing terrorist activities in the region. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich echoed this sentiment, citing Shicron's death as further proof of Hamas's terror operations in the West Bank.

Macron's speech also focused on the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, which he described as "shameful" and a blow to international credibility. He questioned the significance of recognizing a Palestinian state without concrete accompanying steps and warned of the erosion of international law and wartime conventions, stating that "war crimes have become an industry." He called for reforms at the UN Security Council and supported the International Court of Justice.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized Macron's remarks but also faulted Prime Minister Netanyahu's response, suggesting a direct diplomatic approach to Macron would be more effective than social media posts. Following the backlash, a French diplomatic source clarified to The Times of Israel that Macron meant Hamas does not control the West Bank, not that it is inactive there. This clarification came after the statement caused a significant stir in Israel. Macron also addressed regional issues, calling for respect for the sovereignty of Lebanon and Syria, stating that Israel's security concerns do not justify infringing on their sovereignty.