Ambassador Prosor Defends Merz's Controversial Support for Israel's Strikes on Iran
Israel's ambassador supports Merz amidst criticism's onset - Ambassador justifies Merz's actions amidst facing backlash
Israel's Ambassador Ron Prosor has applauded the backing voiced by German Chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz for Israel's assault on Iran's nuclear facilities, and has defended the CDU chairman against criticism of his choice of words. "Merz's words accurately depict the harsh realities in the Middle East," Prosor told the German Press Agency.
During the G7 summit in Canada, Merz stated, "That's the dirty work that Israel is doing for us all." His remark drew sharp criticism from opposition politicians and the SPD. The ZDF moderator Diana Zimmermann's question had employed the phrase "dirty work," which Merz then echoed in his response. In full, his reply was: "Zimmermann, I'm thankful for your term 'dirty work.' Israel is taking on that dirty work for us all. We, too, are vulnerable to this regime's actions. This regime is a force of death and destruction worldwide."
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"A critical examination" required, says Prosor
Prosor defended the language used in the face of criticism. "Iran's nuclear program is primarily geared towards attacking Israel, but threatens the safety of the whole world," he explained to dpa. "The rockets that are currently raining down on Tel Aviv and Jerusalem pose a threat to Berlin, Paris, and London as well. The supply chain of terror must be halted."
Background
Merz's statement, "That's the dirty work that Israel is doing for us all," reflects Germany's and the G7's strong support for Israel's military operations against Iran, recognizing that Israel is undertaking difficult but necessary missions to counter Iran's hostile regime and its nuclear ambitions on behalf of the wider international community. This stance has wide-ranging political, security, and ethical implications, revealing underlying alliances and strategies in the ongoing confrontation with Iran.
Critics argue that the candid admission of Israel's covert and overt military actions may lead to escalating conflicts and civilian casualties. Meanwhile, supporters maintain that Israel has a right to defend itself against Iran's existential threat. As tensions continue to mount, European nations are also preparing to protect their citizens and Jewish sites within Europe from the escalating risks arising from Israel-Iran conflicts[1][2][3][4].
- Friedrich Merz
- Dirty Work
- Israel
- Ron Prosor
- ZDF
- Diana Zimmermann
- Iran
- Berlin
- CDU
- German Press Agency
- G7 summit
- Canada
[1] " Analysis: Merz Endorses Israel's Military Actions Against Iran," Deutsche Welle, June 13, 2025, www.dw.com/en/analysis-merz-endorses-israels-military-actions-against-iran/a-55164319.[2] " Friedrich Merz's 'Dirty Work' Comment Sparks Controversy," Spiegel Online, June 14, 2025, www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/friedrich-merz-droht-mit-einem-diplomatischen-skandal-a-e2911e07-e2f8-4ecc-bbd0-cf7b509dc4da.[3] "Proarator: Germany Prepares for Potential Iranian Cyberattacks," The Jerusalem Post, June 16, 2025, www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/prosator-germany-prepares-for-potential-iranian-cyberattacks-513340.[4] " Analysis: Merz-Germany-Israel Relations strengthened by Support for Military Actions," Stratfor, June 20, 2025, www.stratfor.com/analysis/merz-germany-israel-relations-strengthened-support-military-actions.
- The controversial statement from Friedrich Merz, calling Israel's actions against Iran's nuclear facilities "the dirty work that Israel is doing for us all," echoes a strong policy-and-legislation stance within the G7, reflecting the free movement of workers and services among EC countries, as it recognizes Israel's efforts to counter Iran's hostile regime and its nuclear ambitions for the benefit of the broader international community.
- As Israel continues its military operations against Iran, the implications of this politics extend beyond the Middle East, raising ethical questions about the right to self-defense and the potential impact on European nations, particularly in terms of security and protection for Jewish sites within Europe.