Macron takes strong stance in support of Israel, marking notable shift in French diplomacy

French President Emmanuel Macron has taken an unusually strong stance in support of Israel, marking a notable shift from traditional French foreign policy toward the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

In an official tweet, President Macron said: “I talked to President Herzog and Prime Minister Netanyahu. I denounce the attacks carried out from Gaza on Israel, its soldiers and its people.”

This marked supportive stance contrasts with earlier  French foreign policy, which was often marked by a more neutral and less engaged approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Under prior French leaders, such as Jacques Chirac and Dominique de Villepin, France tended to adopt a more balanced position, aiming to play a mediating role between conflicting parties.

This change of tone on the part of France comes at a time when the country is encountering diplomatic crises with several African and Arab countries.

Tensions persist in the region, and many international actors are seeking to play a mediating role to avoid an even more dangerous escalation.

It remains to be seen how this new position of France towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict could impact its diplomatic relations with other countries in the region and beyond.