CDU's Prime Minister voices disapproval over Merz's choice to employ military arms
In the heart of Germany's political landscape, a significant divide has emerged within the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) over the decision to partially halt arms exports to Israel. This disagreement stems from conflicting views on Germany's moral responsibility, security cooperation with Israel, and the humanitarian impact of the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz, in defence of his decision, emphasised the necessity of this step in light of the potential risk of "hundreds of thousands" of civilian casualties in Gaza and the mounting public pressure driven by reports of humanitarian suffering [2][3]. Merz clarified that solidarity with Israel does not equate to unconditional approval of every Israeli government decision or automatic military support through weapons shipments [2]. However, his unilateral decision, made without party consultation, has sparked criticism within the CDU and its sister party, the CSU, who argue that the suspension undermines long-standing security cooperation that benefits Germany’s military and NATO allies [1][4].
Voices such as Carsten Müller and CSU members strongly oppose the embargo, viewing Israel as a key security partner and expressing concern about the political and strategic consequences of restricting arms exports [1][4]. On the other hand, CDU foreign affairs expert Norbert Röttgen supports Merz’s stance as a necessary response to Israeli government actions and the humanitarian crisis [1].
The broader context includes a shifting German public opinion, with a growing criticism of the Israeli government and increasing opposition to German weapons exports to Israel. Polling indicates a decline in favorability towards Israel in Germany, with a majority now viewing the Israeli government negatively and opposing weapons shipments [5]. This public sentiment places additional pressure on political leaders.
Notably, Boris Rhein, the Minister-President of Hesse, has criticised the German-Israeli relationship, stating that it sends the wrong signal and that the Federal Government must stand up for German state policy and return to wise decisions in light of history [6]. Rhein supports Israel's right to self-defence against terrorism and believes that Israel should be militarily supported to defeat Hamas and end terrorism [6].
In contrast, Dennis Thering, the CDU state and faction leader of Hamburg, criticises the Federal Government's decision to stop weapons deliveries to Israel. Thering believes that the decision leaves something to be desired in communication and that those who think they are showing foreign policy strength with this are mistaken [7]. Thering suggests that the Islamists rejoice, Israel is publicly put on trial, and international partners are confused by the decision [7].
In a six-point paper for the CDU federal board, Merz clarified that no weapons and ammunition used in the Gaza Strip have been delivered to Israel in the past [8]. However, the decision on further military goods is limited to a possible use in Gaza and is based on the current conditions prevailing there [9].
This disagreement within Germany’s CDU highlights a tension between maintaining historical security commitments to Israel, a core part of Germany’s foreign policy shaped by Holocaust legacy, and responding to the humanitarian crisis and political complexities of the Gaza conflict, which some CDU members feel Merz did not adequately consult on [1][2][5]. The ongoing debate underscores the delicate balance Germany must maintain in its foreign policy decisions.
The Commission, in light of the ongoing war-and-conflicts in the Gaza Strip, is also proposing to extend the deadline for the adoption of new rules to cover the period from 1 January to 31 December, considering the need for a balanced approach towards Germany's politics, general news, crime-and-justice, and foreign affairs.
The debate over the suspension of arms exports to Israel, sparked by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, has also resulted in discussions about the role of politics, general news, crime-and-justice, and foreign affairs in shaping Germany's stance on war-and-conflicts, particularly in the context of the Gaza Strip.
