Former President of the Republic François Hollande estimated on Sunday that “France must assure Israel of its support”, but also “seek means of de-escalation”, a few hours after the attack launched by Iran in Israel. “The only question that must be asked is: ‘Will there now be a response from the Israelis to Iran’s attack?'” the former socialist leader asked on France 3. Clearly, it’s a hypothesis,” he replied.
“This is the reason why the entire international community demands that there be no resumption of hostilities,” he added, welcoming that this line also brings together “the support of the Iran, even Russia and China” and “countries in the region”. “France, if it is attacked – it could be by Iran – will necessarily have to respond,” added the former tenant of the Élysée, arguing that it “must necessarily protect its vital interests”.
G7 leaders meeting
Iran launched more than 200 drones and missiles against Israel during the night from Saturday to Sunday, in response to a strike against its consulate in Damascus, an unprecedented direct Iranian attack which was “foiled”, the army said on Sunday Israeli. Emmanuel Macron “condemned with the greatest firmness the unprecedented attack launched by Iran against Israel” and called for “restraint” from stakeholders, in a message published on Sunday on X.
I condemn in the strongest terms the unprecedented attack launched by Iran against Israel, which threatens to destabilize the region.
I express my solidarity with the Israeli people and France’s attachment to the security of Israel, our partners and the stability…
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) April 14, 2024
The heads of state and government of the G7, of which France is a member, will meet by video conference early Sunday afternoon “to discuss the Iranian attack against Israel”, announced the Italian government, which currently chairs this group of industrialized countries.
Olivier Faure also calls for “de-escalation”
Guest of Political Question on France Inter, the first secretary of the PS, Olivier Faure also called on Sunday for “restraint, for de-escalation, for Israel not to launch itself into a response which (…) could lead us into a regionalization of the conflict”. Asked about a possible involvement of France in the conflict, Olivier Faure stressed that Paris must play “a balancing role in the region” and “not participate in a spiral”.
“When it comes to defending Israel when an attack is made against (it), the obvious thing is that we must be on its side. But we must not participate now in an offensive which (…) would potentially lead to a regionalization of the conflict,” he stressed.
According to Israeli army spokesman Daniel Hagari, the IDF defended itself from Iran’s attack “in combination with the United States, Britain, France and other countries.” Questioned on this subject by AFP, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was “not in a position to comment”.
According to a French military source, France ensured “self-defense” of its bases in the Middle East at the time of the Iranian attack targeting Israel, thanks to “means” of anti-aircraft protection.