Netanyahu Reveals October 7 Warning to Macron on Hamas and Paris
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed in an interview that he warned French President Emmanuel Macron on October 7, 2023, that failing to stop Hamas in Israel would lead to them reaching the streets of Paris.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed in an exclusive interview with Sofia Topolev of C14 in English the details of his conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron on October 7, 2023. According to Netanyahu, on the very day of the Hamas terror attack, the French president urged him to work toward an immediate ceasefire and a diplomatic solution, but Netanyahu rejected the call, warning that if the organization was not stopped in Israel, it could eventually reach the streets of Paris. Against the backdrop of current events unfolding in France, the prime minister argues that his warning is materializing and estimates that the reality in the country may lead to a shift in its political landscape.
The October 7 Conversation
During the interview, Netanyahu recounted the phone call he received from Macron on the day of the Hamas onslaught, disclosing the exchange between the two leaders. "Macron called me on October 7," Netanyahu said. "He said: 'You know, we must work for an immediate ceasefire and solve this through diplomacy.'"
According to the prime minister, he rejected the French president's proposal and clarified that no political settlement is possible with Hamas. "And I said: 'No, no, Emmanuel. This will not be resolved through diplomacy. These are monsters, these are neo-Nazis.'" Netanyahu went on to compare the struggle against Hamas to the fight against the Nazis in World War II.
You do not solve an SS problem with diplomacy, as I told the German chancellor who arrived here. You destroy them.
Warning About Europe and Paris Streets
Later in the interview, Netanyahu spoke about the warning he conveyed to Macron regarding the potential consequences of the fight against Hamas for European nations. "And I told him the following: I told him, you know, Hamas is like ISIS. In fact, in some ways it is worse than ISIS."
The prime minister added that he told Macron: "And let me tell you, if we do not stop Hamas here, you will see them on the streets of Paris. And that is exactly what is happening now."
Political Implications in France
Following these remarks, Netanyahu was asked whether he believes Macron has learned his lesson in light of developments in his country. Netanyahu replied: "Well, I think the French people see what is happening on the streets of France, and apparently, as it seems, this may bring about a change in the political composition of France."
Later in the interview, Netanyahu was asked if the rise of a right-wing government in power in France could lead to improved relations between Paris and Jerusalem. "Definitely yes," Netanyahu answered. "Because they understand that they are under threat. Again, the common enemy is what creates common interests."
