Senior right-wing politician slams 'ignorance of the history'; in interview with French outlet, Netanyahu accuses French president of 'distressing distortion of history' and 'disrespect'

The French President banned Israeli firms from showing their equipment at an arms show in his latest questionable move relating to the Middle East.

International affairs are one of the few remaining areas where Macron, who Thursday is attending an EU summit in Brussels, enjoys political leeway following this summer’s legislative elections which resulted in the centrist overseeing a distinctly right-wing government.

The speaker of the French Senate -- the country's second most senior figure under the constitution -- said Thursday he was "astounded" by remarks attributed to Emmanuel Macron on Israel and accused the president of showing his "ignorance" of history.

Emmanuel Macron's comments that Israel owes its existence to a UN resolution have sparked unease in France, with the president given a furious rebuke by the upper house speaker but also facing disquiet from within his own ranks.

Emmanuel Macron is a “disgrace to the French nation”, Israel’s defence minister said on Wednesday after Paris banned Israeli firms from exhibiting at a weapons show.