France: Dimension of views on the Middle East between Macron and the diplomatic corps –

In a difference of opinion, regarding the crisis in the Middle East, between the presidency of the French Republic and the French diplomatic corps, an article is mentioned in the French newspaper Le Figaro, speaking of “rivalries” and “battles for influence” that have surrounded President Macron after on October 7, but also in the need for balance, due to the internal political life in France.

According to the newspaper, many accuse Emmanuel Macron of “weak support” for Israel, believing that this is due to the head of his diplomatic office, Emmanuel Bonn, who according to the publication is very knowledgeable about the Middle East, known for his calmness and who has served in several positions in the region, including that of ambassador to Lebanon between 2015 and 2017.

As noted, many of Bonn’s critics describe him as a hardline supporter of a pro-Arab policy, with which not everyone in the French foreign ministry agrees. At the same time, however, the newspaper notes that France’s policy in the Middle East is largely determined by internal factors.

As a diplomat based in the Middle East points out, “France’s line is necessarily intermediate, because we have both the largest Muslim population and the largest Jewish population in Europe.” This is why after the attacks by Hamas, Emmanuel Macron called on the French to “remain united”.

For strained relations between Macron and Netanyahu, the newspaper Le Monde gives another reason, attributing them to a certain extent to the recent statements of the French president in which he asked to stop the deliveries of weapons to Israel, but also to “fatigue and a feeling of weakness”. against the way Israel has been conducting its military operations in Gaza for a year.

There is also talk of an accumulation, for several months, of elements of tension between Israel and France, after France voted in favor of the resolution of the General Assembly of the United Nations, on September 18, which “demands” from Israel “to end without delay in his illegal presence” in the Palestinian territories.

The newspaper points out that President Macron returned to the issue of arms supplies during the Francophonie Summit, saying: “I think those who supply arms to Israel cannot call for a ceasefire with us.”