Netanyahu, France's Macron talk threats in Gaza, Lebanon and Red Sea

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke Wednesday evening with French President Emmanuel Macron, the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement.

Netanyahu thanked Macron for France's involvement in protecting freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and for its willingness to help restore security on Israel's border with Lebanon, the statement said.

The prime minister updated Macron on developments in the war in Gaza, as well as efforts to bring about the release of Israel's hostages, and asked the French president to continue working for their release. 

"Netanyahu made it clear that the people and the government of Israel are determined to work to return the residents in the North and South to their homes, by any means," the statement concluded. 

Calls for a 'durable' ceasefire

Macron told Netanyahu in a call about the need to work towards a durable ceasefire "with the help of all regional and international partners," the French Presidency said in the statement.

France will also work with Jordan in days ahead on humanitarian operations in Gaza, it said.

Macron has criticized the scope of Israel's force against Hamas in the past and called for a lasting cessation of combat. 

"We cannot allow the idea to take root that an effective fight against terrorism implies razing Gaza or attacking civilian populations indiscriminately," Macron said in a December interview with the French broadcaster France 5.

While recognizing Israel's "right to defend itself and fight terrorism," Macron said that France called for the protection of civilians and "a ceasefire that will lead to a humanitarian ceasefire."