ALBAWABA- French President Emmanuel Macron criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a closed meeting of the French Council of Ministers, responding to Israel's recent attacks on UN peacekeeping forces in Lebanon.
Macron reminded Netanyahu that Israel's creation was the result of a United Nations resolution, suggesting the country should respect international institutions.
Netanyahu fired back, rejecting Macron's statement and asserting that Israel's founding was due to "the victory of heroic warriors, most of whom survived the Holocaust," rather than a UN decision.
Meanwhile, Finland joined Ireland and Spain in urging the European Union to impose additional sanctions on Israel, citing concerns over escalating violence and actions against UN peacekeepers.
Amid the rising tensions, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced her plans to visit Lebanon following multiple incidents involving the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), including attacks that injured peacekeepers. She confirmed her intention to visit but did not specify a date.
The diplomatic exchanges and calls for sanctions reflect increasing international pressure on Israel to address recent escalations, as the European Union voices concerns over regional stability and the protection of peacekeeping forces and civilians in both Gaza and Lebanon.
