Netanyahu calls Macron's remarks on West Bank in UN speech 'grotesque'
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly criticized French President Emmanuel Macron for his comments regarding the situation in the West Bank. While Macron's office suggested a misinterpretation of his words, Netanyahu labeled the remarks as a grotesque absurdity given the ongoing violence in the region.
Why it matters
This diplomatic friction highlights the ongoing tensions between Israel and European leaders regarding the management of the West Bank and the broader conflict with Hamas.
Image source, EPA Image caption, A French diplomatic source said there had been a "misinterpretation" of Emmanuel Macron's words
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned French President Emmanuel Macron after he criticised Israel's actions in the occupied West Bank during his address to the UN General Assembly.
"Look at what's happening in the West Bank, where day in, day out, we are seeing violations. And in the name of what? Hamas was never very active in the West Bank," Macron said in French, according to the UN's interpreter.
Netanyahu called the remarks a "grotesque absurdity" and said members of the Palestinian armed group there "carry out attacks against Jews almost every day".
There was no response from Macron's office, but one French diplomatic source said there had been a "misinterpretation".
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