"The president of Kaplan, spineless"

Herzog slammed for praising Macron

President Yitzchak Herzog draws wave of scorn on social media after posting warm thanks to French President Emmanuel Macron, who has emerged as one of Israel's fiercest opponents in Europe

Eliana Fleming

OCT 7, 2026 20:07

2 min read

Herzog Under Fire for "Fawning" Post to Macron, One of Israel's Harshest Critics

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President Yitzchak Herzog is facing a torrent of criticism on social media after posting an effusive message of thanks to French President Emmanuel Macron, following a brief statement from the Élysée Palace condemning Hamas's actions on October 7.

Macron's original post, which ran just five lines, condemned "the barbaric acts of Hamas" and noted the dozens of French citizens killed in the attack. In a line many found surprising and some called brazen, the French president wrote: "We share in the pain of the State of Israel and in the pain of the bereaved families."

The statement came after years in which Macron has been among Israel's most vocal adversaries on the world stage, particularly in Europe, where he has led a sustained campaign against the Jewish state.

Herzog's statement (Photo: no credit, from social media)

Herzog responded quickly and warmly, writing: "Thank you, President Macron, for sharing in our pain and sorrow as we mark three years since the horrors of Hamas's murderous attack on October 7."

Social-media users were quick to respond to the president's embrace of one of Israel's sharpest political opponents in Europe. Many described Herzog in harsh terms, calling him "spineless" and "the weak president of Kaplan," and some expressed shame that he holds the office.

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