Macron clarifies in conversation with Herzog: 'I unequivocally support the State of Israel and your right to self-defense'
French President Emmanuel Macron spoke with Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Sunday and clarified that he 'unequivocally supports the State of Israel and its right to self-defense."
This comes after last Friday when Macron called on Israel to stop the bombings in the Gaza Strip and said in an interview with the BBC that "there is no justification for them."
In his conversation with Herzog, the French president made it clear that he does not attribute and did not intend to attribute to Israel any blame for intentionally harming innocent civilians during its military campaign against the terrorist organization Hamas.
Macron also emphasized that he unequivocally supports Israel's right and duty to self-defense and that his absolute support for Israel's war against Hamas is unambiguous.
He explained that the statements attributed to him in the interview dealt with the humanitarian issue that is important to him and many countries.
Macron noted that "it is important to find and assist with humanitarian solutions for citizens in Gaza."
He reiterated to Herzog his commitment to the urgent release of the hostages held by Hamas.
British Secretary of Defense: "Israel goes out of its way to avoid harming innocent civilians."
Meanwhile, Britain's Secretary of Defense Grant Shapps defended Israel today in local British media.
Shapps said in his interviews that Israel must take every step necessary to protect the civilian population.
He noted that, unlike the bombings of London or Dresden during World War II, Israel goes out of its way to warn civilians in the Gaza Strip in advance that it intends to strike areas where terrorists are located.
The British secretary also expressed opposition to the growing international calls for a ceasefire.
He explained that Hamas may attack Israel again as soon as it is possible, using the rockets and tunnels it possesses.
However, Shapps was not opposed to temporary pauses in fighting.
Written by KAN 11 correspondents Itamar Margalit, Suleiman Maswadeh and Yaara Shapira.
Kan.org.il is the Hebrew news website of the The Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation
