Macron would rather anger Israel than the banlieues

Emmanuel Macron has chosen to mark the first anniversary of Hamas’ murderous attack on Israel on 7 October by criticising their response. In a radio interview, the president of France announced that ‘the priority today is to return to a political solution, to stop delivering weapons to fight in Gaza’. Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, called the remarks shameful and said it was a ‘disgrace’ to call for an arms embargo on Israel.

The distinguished French Jewish writer and philosopher, Bernard-Henri Levy, said on Sunday that he was ‘saddened and shocked’ by his president’s comments, particularly given their timing.

In the 365 days since Hamas filmed themselves raping, torturing and killing 1,200 Jews, including 42 French citizens, the response of France has been guided by fear. Macron admitted as much less than a fortnight later. ‘If we manage this situation badly, it can be an element of division,’ he said on 19 October, discussing the situation in Gaza with some young people.