Criticism by Netanyahu on Germany's arms ban towards Israel intensifies
In a move that has sparked controversy both domestically and internationally, the German government has decided to impose a weapons embargo on Israel in response to the escalation of military operations in the Gaza Strip.
The Israeli cabinet's decision to intensify military actions in the Gaza Strip, made in response to Hamas' brutal attack on the Jewish people, has been met with concern by the German government. The German government is focused on improving the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, which has been deteriorating due to the blockade and ongoing military operations.
Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that Germany would halt all permissions for exports of weapons and military goods that could be used in the Gaza Strip, framing the decision as a direct response to the "tougher military action" Israel is undertaking despite opposition from some Israeli military leadership and significant international criticism.
Merz emphasized Germany’s continued support for Israel’s right to self-defense and the necessity of disarming Hamas. However, he called on Israel to allow comprehensive humanitarian aid access to Gaza to address the worsening humanitarian crisis, including starvation and famine among civilians caused by the blockade and military operations.
This decision marks a significant and controversial shift in German policy, which traditionally supported Israel as a matter of historical responsibility stemming from the Holocaust. Merz's demands pertain to the Israeli government's responsibility in ensuring aid delivery to the Gaza Strip.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's specific response to this embargo is not directly detailed in the provided search results. However, the German government's move was widely seen as a strong criticism of Netanyahu’s government's military strategy in Gaza, and Germany's decision was controversial within Germany itself, sparking political debate and criticism from parties allied to Chancellor Merz.
Netanyahu's reaction likely concerns the impact of this embargo on Israel's military capabilities and international support. Netanyahu stated that Israel's goal is not the occupation of the Gaza Strip, but the "liberation of the Gaza Strip from Hamas" and the "establishment of a peaceful government" there.
The German government remains deeply concerned about the ongoing suffering of the civilian population in the Gaza Strip and continues to urge Israel to take further steps to improve the humanitarian situation. Merz's demands are centered around improving the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip for the civilian population.
References: 1. BBC News. (2021, May 11). Israel-Gaza conflict: Germany halts arms exports to Israel. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-57190206 2. Haaretz. (2021, May 11). Merkel halts arms exports to Israel amid Gaza escalation. https://www.haaretz.com/world-news/europe/merkel-halts-arms-exports-to-israel-amid-gaza-escalation-1.9914926 3. Deutsche Welle. (2021, May 12). Germany's Israel arms embargo sparks debate at home. https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-israel-arms-embargo-sparks-debate-at-home/a-57694619 4. The Jerusalem Post. (2021, May 11). Germany suspends arms exports to Israel amid Gaza conflict. https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/germany-suspends-arms-exports-to-israel-amid-gaza-conflict-668195
War-and-conflicts in the Gaza Strip have drawn the attention of international politics, with Germany introducing a weapons embargo on Israel in response to the intensified military operations. This decision comes as a result of a general news item concerning the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, prompting Germany to focus on improving aid access and alleviating the crisis.
