Macron calls out Netanyahu for 'sowing barbarism' in fundraising conference for Lebanon

French President Emmanuel Macron warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that "civilisation is not best defended by sowing barbarism ourselves."

Macron said this at a conference hosted by him in Paris for Lebanon to improve the humanitarian situation in the country.

The conference raised US $200 million for Lebanon's military and US $800 million for humanitarian aid in the region.

Macron urged Netanyahu for a ceasefire and also called to end the Israeli attacks on UN peacekeepers while saying there was no justification for it.

Macron, at the beginning of his speech, shared his "bitter regret" that Iran had "engaged" the Lebanese group Hezbollah "against Israel" when the most crucial need of Lebanon right now is to "stay away from the Gaza war."

While addressing Netanyahu, with whom his relationship has soared, Macron said, "We have been talking a lot in recent days about a war of civilisations or about civilisations that must be defended. I am not sure that we defend a civilisation by sowing barbarism ourselves.”

In his response, Netanyahu said on Europe 1 radion, "It is a war of civilisations against barbarism; we are at the forefront of this war and France must support Israel.”

At the conference, Macron vowed that his country would help in training as many as 6,000 extra Lebanese official forces.

Apart from having a large number of Lebanese population, France hashistorical ties with Lebanon.

Meanwhile, Lebanon's Hezbollah, despite most of its leadership being killed in Israeli attacks, said it will not talk about its political or military strategy unless the Jewish country implements a ceasefire.

(With inputs from agencies)