Israeli Lawmaker Slams Macron's 'Ignorance' on Hamas and West Bank

Israeli lawmaker Simcha Rothman, a member of the Religious Zionism party, sharply criticized French President Emmanuel Macron's recent statements at the United Nations, particularly Macron's assertion that Hamas has "never been active in the West Bank." Rothman stated on i24NEWS that Macron "has no idea what is happening in Judea and Samaria, the West Bank, or Israel," and "understands absolutely nothing about what is happening here."

Rothman insisted that Hamas remains deeply entrenched and active in the West Bank, citing recent attacks, including the murder of a father of a family, which he attributed to the organization. He expressed concern that world leaders making decisions about Israel are "ignorant of the situation," adding that he was struggling to find words to describe how a world leader could know so little about subjects he discusses with such enthusiasm. Rothman questioned Macron's commitment to Israeli Jewish security, suggesting the French president knows France better than the issues he attempts to address.

Addressing Macron's stated desire to defend Palestinian rights while considering Israeli security needs, Rothman referenced Israel's 2005 withdrawal from Gaza. He argued that the withdrawal, which removed all settlements and soldiers, did not improve the lives of Gazan Arabs, who he claimed became victims of Hamas rule. Rothman also accused Hamas of diverting international aid, including aid sent by Macron, for military purposes, such as missile development and training, which he claimed was used on October 7.

Rothman warned against the establishment of a Palestinian state near major Israeli cities, questioning whether Macron understood the security implications for Israelis if a "terrorist state" were located less than 15 kilometers from all major Israeli cities. He accused Macron of not knowing the geography, demographics, or the reality of Hamas and the West Bank, concluding that "when you don't know what you're talking about, it's better to stay silent."