Western European leaders on Sunday strongly condemned Iran’s direct overnight attack on Israel while warning against an escalation of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
French President Emmanuel Macron said the attack threatened to destabilize the region. “France, together with its partners, is committed to de-escalation and calls for restraint,” he posted on X.
Macron expressed solidarity with the Israeli people and stressed the importance of Israeli security for France.
According to Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Daniel Hagari, France has contributed to repelling Iranian airstrikes by monitoring its airspace.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni wrote on G7 heads of state and government scheduled.
The comments come on the heels of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemning “in the strongest terms” Iranian airstrikes on Israel as he landed in China for an official visit.
“Iran is risking a regional conflagration with this irresponsible and unjustifiable attack,” said government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit after the Chancellor’s arrival in the economic metropolis of Chongqing.
“Germany stands closely by Israel in these difficult times.”
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte described the situation in the Middle East as deeply worrying and also expressed concerns about a possible escalation.
Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo called on all sides to show restraint. “Iran is a known sponsor of state terrorism,” he posted on X.
De Croo called for an “immediate ceasefire” in the region. Belgium has become increasingly critical of Israel’s policy in the Gaza Strip.
Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris called the Iranian attack “reckless” and called on all sides to exercise restraint and avoid escalation. Ireland is one of the harshest critics of the Israeli military operation in the Gaza Strip.
Irish Foreign Minister Micheál Martin has called for a two-state solution and suggested that Ireland is preparing to recognize a Palestinian state, a move rejected by Israeli leaders.
