France's president on Thursday accused some of his ministers of lacking in professionalism and spreading false information, while taking a swipe at the media over how they reported comments he allegedly made on Israel during a cabinet meeting.

French president goes on attack to try put lid on brouhaha that sparked row with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu.

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 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.

Israeli delegations taking part in the major defence show Euronaval in France next month will not be permitted to set up a stand or exhibit hardware following a decision by

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.

French President Emmanuel Macron has further strained tense relations with Israel with a comment referring o the creation of the Israeli state, a verbal jab that was rapidly denounced by