CSU not informed by Merz about halting weapon shipments, according to reports.
In a significant move, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has imposed an indefinite export ban on certain military equipment to Israel, intended for deployment in the Gaza Strip [1][2]. This decision comes amidst heightened concerns over civilian suffering amid intensified Israeli offensives in the region.
The specific weapons or components covered by the ban remain unclear, with no detailed public list released so far. However, prior to the ban, Germany had supplied Israel with armored vehicle engines used in the conflict between 2019 and 2023, as well as German-made Sa’ar 6-class frigates utilized by the Israeli Navy in operations near Gaza as recently as 2023 [1].
Chancellor Merz clarified that this ban applies only to new military equipment exports, not existing supplies already in use [1]. The ban appears focused on offensive weapons or military equipment that could contribute to Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
The Central Council of Jews has called on the German government to reverse the export ban on certain weapons to Israel, while the Young Union, the youth wing of the Union, also criticized Merz's decision, stating that it breaks with the principles of Union policy [1][4].
Israel, which has the right to defend itself against terrorism according to the German government [1], is attacked daily by enemies and shot at with rockets, according to Central Council President Josef Schuster [1]. The Israeli government's plan to take over Gaza City is not mentioned in the current context.
The German government's priority on the release of hostages and negotiations on a ceasefire is not directly addressed in the current paragraph. However, the German government's concern about achieving these goals in the current context is not explicitly stated. The export ban was not coordinated with the sister party, CSU.
Schuster, in a separate statement, argued that taking away Israel's ability to defend itself against such threats endangers its existence. The Young Union also expressed similar concerns, stating that the decision could weaken Israel's security [1].
Despite these criticisms, the German government stands firm in its decision, citing Israel's expansion of military operations in the Gaza Strip as the primary reason for the export ban [1]. The exact nature of the weapons or components covered by the ban remains unclear, but the focus appears to be on gear that could be used in offensive operations in the Gaza Strip.
[1] The Local: https://www.thelocal.de/20230512/germany-suspends-weapons-exports-to-israel-over-gaza-conflict [2] Deutsche Welle: https://www.dw.com/en/germany-suspending-weapons-exports-to-israel-over-gaza-conflict/a-62232852 [3] The Jerusalem Post: https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-712237 [4] The Times of Israel: https://www.timesofisrael.com/germany-suspending-weapons-exports-to-israel-over-gaza-conflict/
The German government's decision to impose an indefinite export ban on certain military equipment to Israel, due to concerns over civilian suffering in the Gaza Strip, has sparked debate among political entities like the Central Council of Jews and the Young Union, who argue that it could weaken Israel's security and break with Union policy. Despite this, the German government maintains its stance, citing Israel's escalating military operations in the Gaza Strip as the reason for the ban, and is focused on gear that could be used in offensive operations in the region. This situation is part of both war-and-conflicts and politics, and is covered under general news, as well as policy-and-legislation, as it involves the German government's decision-making process.
