Where is Macron? France fails to back Israel in global terror fight

In a strongly worded open letter addressed to French President Emmanuel Macron, Dr. Rafa Halabi, a Druze leader and resident of Dalit-el-Carmel in Israel, called for France’s support in what he described as Israel’s war “for the whole world” against the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The letter was sent amid heightened regional tensions and ongoing military escalations between Israel and Iran. Dr. Halabi characterizes the conflict not merely as a bilateral issue but as a global crisis with existential stakes for all democracies and peace-seeking nations.

Dr. Halabi appeals to President Macron to take “immediate intervention” on Israel’s behalf, emphasizing that Israel is acting against Iran “in the shadow of international law” to prevent the proliferation and potential use of nuclear weapons by the Islamic Republic.

“As soon as Iran produces nuclear bombs, nothing will prevent it from using them,” Halabi warns. “And this will lead it to produce atomic bombs. The Iranians will not think twice before using these bombs against all the countries of the world and humanity.”

He describes Iran as a terrorist state that actively supports extremist groups across the Middle East, including Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, and ISIS. According to Halabi, Iran’s ideology poses a direct threat not just to Israel, but to global human dignity and freedom.

Call to the Western World

The letter underlines a broader appeal to Western powers, asserting that only the United States, Israel, and other democratic allies can confront what he terms “the destruction of our enlightened, progressive world.” Halabi presents Iran’s regime as fundamentally incompatible with the values of freedom, peace, and international order.

Using language of moral and spiritual brotherhood, Halabi repeatedly addresses Macron as “my dear brother” and calls for unity among nations that value peace and human rights. He closes with a wish for strength, courage, and divine protection.

“May peace be with you, my brother, be strong and courageous… To equip you forever.”

The letter is part of ongoing efforts by figures within Israeli civil society to garner international support amid fears of a broader regional war and increased Iranian influence.

Rafa Halabi is one of the leading figures of the Druze community in Israel.

The Druze community in Israel holds a unique and prominent position within the country's social and political fabric. 

Unlike many other Arab minorities, Israeli Druze are fully integrated into the state, and their loyalty to Israel is well recognized. Since 1956, Druze men have served compulsorily in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), and many have risen to senior ranks in the military, police, and security services.

The Druze population in Israel numbers around 150,000 people, primarily concentrated in the northern regions, including towns like Dalit-el-Carmel, Julis, and Beit Jann. They are known for their deep-rooted traditions, strong communal bonds, and commitment to civic duty.

Druze leaders, such as Dr. Rafa Halabi, often act as bridges between communities—advocating for coexistence, national unity, and security while also voicing the concerns of their own minority group. 

Halabi’s open letter to President Emmanuel Macron reflects this dual role: defending Israel’s security interests while calling for international solidarity in the face of perceived existential threats, notably from Iran.

The Druze have become a symbol of loyalty and integration within Israeli society, often cited as an example of successful coexistence between a minority group and the Jewish majority. 

Their support for the state is sometimes controversial in broader Arab contexts, but within Israel, they are widely respected and play an essential role in both national defense and public service.