Marine Le Pen, president of the National Rally parliamentary group in the French National Assembly, delivered a pointed critique of President Emmanuel Macron’s Middle East policy during an exclusive interview with i24NEWS. Le Pen expressed deep concern over what she described as France’s growing distance from Israel, especially as the Jewish state faces existential threats from Hamas and ongoing conflict in Gaza.
“I am very concerned about the distance that Emmanuel Macron is creating with Israel, if I may put it this way, precisely at the worst possible time,” Le Pen stated. “At a time when Israel is fighting a war against terrorism, when it needs the support of its friends, and France has traditionally been a friendly country toward Israel.” She accused Macron of inconsistency, recalling his initial push for an international coalition against Hamas, followed by his withdrawal from a demonstration against antisemitism and increasingly harsh criticism of Israel.
Le Pen also addressed France’s historical responsibilities, openly acknowledging the country’s role during the Nazi occupation in World War II. “Atrocities were committed against Jews in France during World War II. There was appeasement, and perhaps even collaboration with the Nazi occupiers. This is a historical fact. You won’t hear me trying to minimize or deny it,” she said.
On U.S. President Donald Trump’s approach to Middle East diplomacy, Le Pen speculated that Trump recognized the October 7 Hamas attack as an attempt to sabotage ongoing peace agreements. She suggested that Trump remains committed to reviving those diplomatic efforts, which she views as essential for a just and lasting peace. “Apparently, he is very interested in reviving those agreements, because he believes, and he is probably right, that these agreements are the basis for a just and lasting peace. However, he has his own approach, and so you always have to wait until the end to see what his real goal is. But I believe that this is his goal,” Le Pen explained.
Le Pen concluded by emphasizing the symbolic and strategic importance of continuing peace efforts: “If that is the case, it is a good thing, because again, it proves, first of all, that the terrorists did not win, that is, they did not destroy the agreements. And that is a good thing.”
Her comments come at a time of heightened tension between France and Israel, with Macron’s administration imposing an arms embargo on Israel, threatening to recognize a Palestinian state, and calling for a review of the EU-Israel relationship. Le Pen’s defense of Israel and her criticism of Macron’s approach highlight a growing divide in French political attitudes toward the Jewish state.
'At a time when Israel is fighting a war against terrorism, when it needs the support of its friends,' France's Macron 'shifted positions,' National Rally leader @MLP_officiel tells i24NEWS in a special interview pic.twitter.com/r89nczKsLl
— i24NEWS English (@i24NEWS_EN) May 19, 2025