French Minister Defends Israel With Disputed Hangman Quote

France's minister for Europe, Jean-Noël Barrot, has sparked controversy by using a contested historical quote to defend Israel. He expressed deep concern over a new Israeli law that allows the death penalty by hanging for convicted Palestinian "terrorists." While criticizing this law, Barrot argued for Israel's "moral superiority." To support this, he cited a famous statement attributed to former Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir: "We can forgive the Arabs for killing our children. We cannot forgive them for forcing us to kill their children." This quote is often used to suggest a unique Israeli moral burden. However, historians note Meir likely never said these exact words. The remark first appeared in a 1969 newspaper article and its origin remains unverified. Barrot's use of the disputed quote during a television interview has revived a long-standing debate. Critics argue it unfairly simplifies the conflict and justifies Israeli actions through an unverified narrative.