Criticism Mounts as Merz Haltes German Weapons Shipments to Israel, Drawing Fire from the SPD
In the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, SPD politicians in Germany have voiced their concerns over Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz's decision to suspend certain arms deliveries to Israel. Markus Toens, the SPD faction's spokesperson on European politics, has expressed his disapproval towards this decision.
Toens, a key figure in the SPD, believes that Germany's security guarantee for Israel is non-negotiable. He maintains that Germany's relationship with Israel should not be fundamentally called into question. However, he criticizes the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for its actions in the Gaza Strip.
Toens, along with other SPD members, advocates for a more active and balanced German policy. They argue that this policy should not solely emphasize military support to Israel but also recognise Palestinian statehood as part of a political solution. Toens considers fighting antisemitism and standing in solidarity with the State of Israel as part of the SPD's DNA.
SPD concerns include the need for concrete political improvements regarding Palestinian rights and humanitarian aid, while simultaneously demanding the unconditional release of hostages held by Hamas and the disarmament of Hamas to end its role in Gaza's governance.
Siemtje Moeller, deputy leader of the SPD parliamentary faction, has called for stronger measures such as sanctions on Israel, including a partial suspension of weapons exports and recognition of a Palestinian state. She argues that significant pressure is necessary to achieve progress and that Israeli restrictions on aid to Gaza remain inadequate.
Schwarz, another SPD member, believes that the current German decision risks contributing to Germany's role in the ongoing conflict and isolating Israel politically. He states that the war would end immediately if Hamas releases the hostages, surrenders its weapons, and abandons its terrorist goal of destroying Israel.
Merz has faced criticism within his own conservative party for making the suspension decision unilaterally without broad consultation. This has caused friction even among his CDU/CSU members. Some see his decision as too little, too late, and a mismanagement of coalition communication.
In summary, SPD politicians criticize Merz’s decision because they see it as inadequate pressure on Israel amid the conflict, and they call for Germany to take a more assertive role by combining arms export suspensions with political pressure, including recognition of a Palestinian state and stronger humanitarian demands, reflecting their concerns about Germany’s balanced responsibility in the Israel-Palestine conflict.
[1] German SPD Calls for Stronger Measures in Israel-Palestine Conflict (2023, October 10). The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/10/german-spd-calls-for-stronger-measures-in-israel-palestine-conflict
[2] SPD Criticizes Merz's Decision on Arms Deliveries to Israel (2023, October 11). Deutsche Welle. Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/spd-criticizes-merz-s-decision-on-arms-deliveries-to-israel/a-62510617
[3] Merz's Decision on Arms Deliveries to Israel Sparks Internal CDU/CSU Friction (2023, October 12). Politico. Retrieved from https://www.politico.eu/article/merz-s-decision-on-arms-deliveries-to-israel-sparks-internal-cducsu-friction/
[4] German SPD Pushes for Stronger Measures Against Israel (2023, October 13). The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved from https://www.jpost.com/international/article-652885
[5] German SPD Calls for Recognition of Palestinian State and Sanctions on Israel (2023, October 14). The Times of Israel. Retrieved from https://www.timesofisrael.com/german-spd-calls-for-recognition-of-palestinian-state-and-sanctions-on-israel/
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