In an interview with the Strategic Council on Foreign Relations website, Ali Bigdeli discussed French President Emmanuel Macron’s change of position regarding a halt to the supply of weapons to occupied Palestine after the extensive attacks of the Zionist regime on Lebanon: France regards itself as a supporter of the world’s Christians and takes a stance on their developments. This support comes after the Crusades wars. On the other hand, Lebanon was a French colony in the past, and many French people still live there.

He continued: Moreover, at present, a Christian minority is living in Lebanon, who are important not only for France but for all Christians in the world.

Noting that France has always had a policy of supporting Christians in Lebanon, Bigdeli said: In the war between Israel and Lebanon, the French government proposed a 21-day ceasefire, and even Europe and America supported this proposal, but the regime of Israel did not accept it, which brought defeat and frustration for France internally.

Referring to Macron’s harsh stance against Netanyahu’s policies towards Lebanon, this expert on international issues said: Before the Israeli regime attacked Lebanon, Macron repeatedly requested to prevent these attacks, but Netanyahu did not pay attention to this request, and this was considered a defeat for Macron domestically. In return, Macron was forced to react and said he would reconsider sending military weapons to occupied Palestine.

Noting that it is not possible to vest hope for the implementation of Macron’s claim, Bigdeli said: There are several million Jews and more than 6 million Muslims living in France, and Macron’s party needs the votes of both of them for elections, and staying in power. Therefore, today, Macron is at a strange crossroads, and it should be seen how he can resolve this contradiction and common interests between Muslims and Jews.

He continued: We saw that the French Foreign Minister went to the site of the accident in the occupied territories on the anniversary of October 7. Therefore, France is not in a position to ignore the Israeli regime or change its policy, but on the other hand, it is also facing the issue of Lebanese Christians and Muslims in France. In general, it should be said that France’s recent positions are due to internal pressures and are unlikely to be implemented.

In response to the question of whether other European governments can accompany France due to the escalation of the rampant attacks of the Israeli regime on the countries of the region, including Lebanon and Syria? He said: We saw that after Macron’s position, British and German authorities clearly announced that they would continue to send their military aid to the Israeli regime and somehow left France alone.

Bigdeli clarified that France cannot ignore the influence and lobbying power of the Israeli regime and suddenly return from its previous positions. This is an interlocking puzzle. Macron’s position was due to desperation and the weakening of his status in the eyes of public opinion because his threats to prevent the Zionist attack on Lebanon were ineffective. Therefore, he had to take positions in this direction. However, France has invested in many Islamic countries in the region. It is under pressure from the public opinion of these countries to confront the aggression of the Israeli regime in Gaza and Lebanon.