CSU unaware of Israeli decision
In a move that has stirred controversy within his own coalition, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has partially halted arms deliveries to Israel. The decision comes in response to Israel's intensified military actions in the Gaza Strip, which Germany views as causing ongoing civilian suffering.
The Chancellor justified this decision by highlighting the Israeli government's plan, approved by its security cabinet, to defeat Hamas in Gaza with tougher military measures. Merz expressed deep concern for the civilian population's suffering in Gaza and urged Israel not to annex the West Bank. However, he emphasized that the principles of German-Israeli policy remained unchanged and that the halt does not affect weapons used for air, naval, and missile defense.
The CSU, Merz's coalition partner, was not consulted about this decision, leading to significant backlash. The CSU described the suspension as a serious foreign policy error that breaks with decades-long continuity in Germany's support for Israel’s security. The criticism underscores the internal political dissent and the sensitive nature of Germany’s relationship with Israel, rooted in historical responsibilities.
The German Press Agency (dpa) confirmed a report by the "Bild" newspaper about the CSU's exclusion from the federal government's decision. The CSU learned about the decision to halt arms deliveries to Israel after it was made, causing surprise within the party.
Despite the criticism, Merz maintains that the halt is temporary, aimed at avoiding approving exports of military equipment that could be used in Gaza "until further notice" while still maintaining support for Israel's self-defense capabilities. The Chancellor's decision to partially halt arms deliveries to Israel was based on the Israeli cabinet's decision for a harsher military approach in the Gaza Strip.
This development marks a significant shift in Germany's foreign policy, particularly in its relationship with Israel. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this decision will impact the broader geopolitical landscape.
- This development in Germany's foreign policy, with the partial halt of arms deliveries to Israel, has sparked debates in the realm of policy-and-legislation and politics, as the Chancellor's decision is being criticized by his own coalition partner, the CSU, for breaking decades-long continuity in Germany's support for Israel’s security.
- The ongoing war-and-conflicts in the Gaza Strip have become a point of contention in general-news, as the German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has justified his decision to temporarily halt arms deliveries to Israel due to the Israeli government's harsher military approach, expressing deep concern for the civilian population's suffering.
