UN General Assembly Sparks Diplomatic Clash Over Gaza and West Bank Policies
French and British leaders criticized Israel at the UN General Assembly over Gaza and the West Bank. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and MK Gadi Eisenkot strongly rejected their remarks.
UN General Assembly Criticizes Israel
French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Andy Burnham expressed sharp criticism regarding Israel's actions in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip during the UN General Assembly. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that the October 7 attack was "horrific," clarified that his country "will continue to stand with Israel," but added a caveat: "This does not justify the government's actions." Macron stated that "Hamas has never rampaged in the West Bank."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to his remarks: "An outrageous absurdity. On the eve of Yom Kippur, a French citizen and father of six was murdered by a Hamas terrorist in the West Bank. They have murdered countless Israelis. Ignorance is no excuse to erase their blood."
Israeli Political Reactions
Yesh Atid party chair and former officials also reacted sharply. Gadi Eisenkot responded to Macron's statements: "The statement is radically disconnected from reality on the ground. I am well aware of the terrorist organization's activity in the West Bank as well, and the threat it poses to Israeli citizens, as we witnessed just two days ago in the murderous terror attack in Binyamin. The fight against terror is not limited to the Gaza Strip. The fight against terror is not subject to negotiation, and international hypocrisy that comes at the expense of Israeli citizens' security is unacceptable."
Macron also attacked the rise in settler violence in the West Bank, stating it "denies the legitimate existence rights of the Palestinian people." Furthermore, he expressed anger over the Gaza peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump, criticizing how the US President presented the initiative as a diplomatic achievement.
"What credibility remains for us if we continue to sit on our hands in the face of the situation in Gaza?" said Macron during his address at the UN General Assembly.
