Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and French President Emmanuel Macron spoke on Sunday evening, following Macron’s call for an arms embargo against Israel. Netanyahu said Israel expected its friends to support it against the “Iranian terror axis” rather than impose restrictions. According to his office, the prime minister also made the case that Israel’s offensives against Iran-backed militant groups would benefit the whole region.

According to a statement from the French presidential office, Macron reiterated his support for Israeli’s security and expressed solidarity for the people of Israel, especially the victims of the October 7 attacks, the hostages and their families. He also expressed the importance of a ceasefire deal. The leaders agreed that their countries would revisit the discussion when French foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot meets with Israeli officials on Monday, when he will visit Israel and the West Bank.

Macron had called for the complete suspension of the sale of arms “used in the war in Gaza,” while stressing France has not been involved in their supply. Netanyahu responded by saying “shame on” Macron and other countries who call for arms embargoes against Israel, adding, “Is Iran imposing an arms embargo on Hezbollah, on the Houthis, on Hamas and on its other proxies? Of course not. This axis of terror stands together.”

Several countries including the United States, Germany and the United Kingdom have been criticized by human rights groups for failing to suspend arms sales to Israel as its bombardment of Gaza has left tens of thousands of Palestinians dead. (CNN)…[+]

Photo: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) shakes hands with French President Emmanuel Macron. (CNN)