Consultation taken on proposed budget spanning from January 1st to December 31st by the Commission.
Germany has taken a significant step in its foreign policy, deciding to halt the supply of arms that could be used in the Gaza Strip, following Israel's Security Cabinet's approval for an expansion of military operations in Gaza City[1][2][3].
Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced this change in course regarding arms exports to Israel, citing the intensification of Israel's military offensive and the resulting humanitarian impact as the primary reasons[1][3]. This decision reflects a shift in Germany's stance, given its historical alliance with Israel, rooted in Holocaust remembrance.
Merz reaffirmed Israel's right to self-defense against Hamas terrorism but expressed deep concern about the growing suffering of Gaza's civilian population and urged Israel to improve the humanitarian situation and allow unrestricted aid access[1][3].
The decision has sparked debate within Germany, with CDU MP Carsten Müller condemning it "in the sharpest terms." However, others, such as Israeli historian Moshe Zimmermann, welcome the arms export ban, considering it long overdue[5].
Israel's military is largely self-sufficient, with its own production and American-made components. Nevertheless, the embargo has raised concerns among Israeli historians and commentators, who argue it jeopardizes the relationship between the countries and Israel’s security during a critical conflict[5].
In the domestic political landscape, the policy change contrasts with prior German support for Israel. Merz himself had previously invited Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu for an official visit and opposed quieter arms export restrictions by his predecessor.
A video conference of the working group on foreign policy of the Union faction is scheduled for Sunday, providing a platform for further discussion on this topic. The security policy cooperation with Israel is crucial for Germany, as it strengthens the Bundeswehr and NATO, according to CDU MP Carsten Müller.
Meanwhile, the Israeli security cabinet has decided to take the city of Gaza, and the conflict continues to unfold, with its impact felt both in the region and in the international community.
[1] [German news source 1] [2] [German news source 2] [3] [German news source 3] [4] [German news source 4] [5] [German news source 5]
- In line with Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz's announcement, Germany's war-and-conflicts policy-and-legislation now includes halting the supply of arms that could be used in the Gaza Strip, due to the intensification of Israel's military offensive and the humanitarian impact.
- The general-news has been abuzz with political discussions in Germany, as some welcome the government's stance shift on arms exports to Israel, while others, such as CDU MP Carsten Müller, voice strong opposition, expressing concerns about the potential impact on the relationship between the countries and Israel’s security during a critical conflict.
