French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed Sunday his country's "unwavering commitment" to Israel's security in a phone call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while insisting on a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, the presidency said.
"On the eve of the first anniversary of the Hamas terrorist offensive against Israel, he expressed the solidarity of the French people with the Israeli people," the French presidency said.
Macron had also voiced "his conviction that the time for a ceasefire has now come."
The two leaders had the call on the eve of commemorations for the October 7th attacks -- and a day after a heated exchange following Macron's comments in favor of halting deliveries of Israeli weapons that could be used in the war in Gaza.
They discussed "the situation in the Middle East, and in all frankness and respect of the friendship between France and Israel," the presidency said.
"The two leaders accepted their differences of opinion, as well as their desire to be understood by each other," it added.
https://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/308476-macron-to-netanyahu-time-for-ceasefire-has-now-come