Telephone conversation with Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of the State of Israel.

President Macron spoke on the telephone to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today, Monday 21 October 2024.

During the conversation, the French President began by expressing his solidarity with the Israeli Prime Minister following the unacceptable drone attack targeting his private home. He reiterated France’s commitment to Israel’s security.

Regarding Gaza, the Head of State said the elimination of Yahya Sinwar must provide an opportunity to embark on a new phase of negotiation in order to establish a ceasefire in Gaza, secure the release of all the hostages and enable humanitarian aid to be delivered on a massive scale.

On Lebanon, President Macron asked the Israeli Prime Minister to ensure infrastructure is preserved, civilians protected and a ceasefire established as quickly as possible. He condemned the actions carried out by the Israeli army against UNIFIL premises and expressed his wish that the United Nations would play its full role in southern Lebanon, to allow civilians to return to their homes safely on both sides of the Lebanon-Israel border.

The French President and Israeli Prime Minister also discussed Iran’s responsibility in the spread of crises in the Middle East. President Macron signalled his determination to continue a demanding dialogue with the Tehran authorities in order to secure guarantees from them about the nuclear programme, the ballistic programme and Iran’s regional policy.

The French President and Israeli Prime Minister agreed to remain in close contact.