‘Hamas could reach Paris’ - Netanyahu warns Macron amid France protests
Key Takeaways
- Israel's prime minister says protests in France could reshape the country's political leadership.
- Netanyahu challenges the French president's Gaza diplomacy and warns about the threat posed by Hamas.
- Relations remain strained over Gaza and the West Bank as France faces political pressure ahead of its 2027 election.
The Israeli prime minister predicts France's growing unrest could reshape its political leadership and improve relations with Israel as tensions with Macron deepen over Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has suggested that France's ongoing protests and riots could lead to political changes that may improve relations between Paris and Tel Aviv.
Speaking during a televised interview in Modiin on Monday, Netanyahu linked the unrest in France to growing dissatisfaction with the country's political leadership.
"Well, I think the French people see what's happening in the streets of France, and probably will, as it looks like it could foster a change in the political makeup of France," Netanyahu said.
His comments come as French President Emmanuel Macron faces mounting pressure following nationwide demonstrations over rising living costs, fuel prices and conditions in public education.
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Hundreds of thousands of people participated in protests on October 17, with reports of rioting, looting and attacks on public buildings in several French cities.
Netanyahu suggested that a change in France's political leadership could create opportunities for stronger relations with Israel, particularly on security matters.
"I certainly do, because they understand that they're under threat again. It's the common enemy that creates common interests," he noted.
The Israeli leader also criticised Macron's response to the Gaza conflict, recalling a conversation between them following the October 7 attacks.
"Macron called me on October 7th. He said, you know, we have to work for an immediate ceasefire and to solve this by diplomacy. And I said, no, no, Emmanuel, it's not going to be solved by diplomacy," he continued. "These are monsters. These are neo-Nazis."
Netanyahu claimed he had warned Macron that Hamas could eventually pose a threat to European cities if Israel failed to defeat the group.
"I said, you know, Hamas is like ISIS. In fact, it's worse in some respects than ISIS, even worse than ISIS. And let me tell you, if we don't stop Hamas here, you'll see them on the streets of Paris. And that's exactly what is happening right now," he added.
His remarks linked the unrest in France to the security concerns he has repeatedly raised about Hamas, although the reported demonstrations have centred on domestic economic and public service issues.
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The protests have increased political pressure on Macron ahead of France's 2027 presidential election, with conservative politicians criticising his government's handling of public security.
Relations between France and Israel have also deteriorated over disagreements concerning Israel's military operations in Gaza and developments in the occupied West Bank.
The latest diplomatic dispute followed Macron's address to the United Nations General Assembly, where he criticised Israeli expansion in the West Bank.
Netanyahu has repeatedly challenged France and other European governments over their positions on Israel's security policies.
His latest comments come ahead of Israel's October 27 elections, with the prime minister emphasising his national security position as the country prepares to vote.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
