Macron says Israel has ‘right to defend itself’, speaks to Netanyahu

French President Emmanuel Macron, who on Friday defended Israel’s right to protect itself, spoke by phone to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following a spike in diplomatic tensions, the Elysee said.

The French presidency said the phone conversation took place but did not specify the content of the exchange with the Israeli leader.

Relations between Macron and Netanyahu have been strained in recent months over Israel’s blockade of Gaza and France’s plans to recognise a Palestinian…