French President Emmanuel Macron pledged not to leave Israel alone in its war against Islamist extremists, but he warned upon his arrival in Israel today, Tuesday, about the risks of a regional conflict. After meeting with the families of French victims and the injured at Tel Aviv airport, Macron told Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem that France stands "shoulder to shoulder" with Israel and that the primary goal should be the release of hostages in Gaza.
Macron added, "I want you to be assured that you will not be left alone in this war against terrorism. It is our duty to fight terrorism without any ambiguity and without expanding the scope of this conflict."
Macron's advisors stated that in addition to showing solidarity with Israel, the French President wanted to offer "as practical proposals as possible" to prevent escalation, secure the release of hostages, ensure Israel's security, and work towards implementing a two-state solution.
An advisor to Macron declined to clarify what these proposals were, simply stating that there are steps that can be taken to make Israel feel it is not alone in its fight against terrorism.
Israeli President Herzog confirmed that "Lebanon will pay the price if Hezbollah decides to engage in the war," adding, "We are not seeking to open a new front in the north, but we are ready if Hezbollah drags us into war."
Macron also met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and stated afterward, "I propose expanding the current international coalition fighting ISIS in Iraq and Syria to also include the fight against the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) in Gaza."
Macron assured journalists, standing next to Netanyahu, that "France is ready for the international coalition fighting ISIS, in which we participate in operations in Iraq and Syria, to also fight Hamas."
French television had shown that President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Tel Aviv this morning.
Macron is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, and opposition leaders from the centrist bloc Benny Gantz and Yair Lapid. He is set to head to Amman following his visit to Israel.
