### Macron Reminds Netanyahu of Israel's UN Origins Amid Rising Tensions

In a significant diplomatic gesture, French President Emmanuel Macron has cautioned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to forget that Israel was established by a United Nations resolution. This reminder comes shortly after a series of incidents involving Israel and UN peacekeepers, highlighting growing tensions between Israel and France.

During a closed-door cabinet meeting, Macron referenced the 1947 UN General Assembly resolution that led to the creation of Israel as a Jewish state alongside an Arab state. He emphasized the continuing importance of respecting UN decisions, against the backdrop of Israel's ongoing military operations in southern Lebanon.

The meeting's participant, speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity, relayed Macron's message. The participant noted Macron's insistence that disregarding UN resolutions was not advisable at a time when Israel is engaged in a ground offensive against Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militant group, in southern Lebanon where UN peacekeepers are stationed.

Tensions have been amplified by Macron's recent call to halt the export of weapons used by Israel in conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, arguing that this is a necessary step to reduce violence. France has also condemned Israel's repeated attacks on UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, some of whom are French soldiers.

Netanyahu, in a statement on Sunday, called for the relocation of the 10,000-strong UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon, including 700 French troops, alleging that Hezbollah is using them as human shields. This statement underscores the fraught situation and the risks faced by UN peacekeepers amid the hostilities.