Additional meeting on the internal dispute within the Union concerning Israel's policy - Discussion scheduled for Union's stance regarding Israel's matters
In a significant move, Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced a temporary halt on certain arms exports that could be used in the Gaza Strip, targeting equipment that can be used in Gaza but excluding arms considered necessary for Israel’s self-defense, such as air and naval defense systems [1][2][3]. This decision comes in response to Israel's intention to expand military operations in the region and capture the city of Gaza.
The policy shift has sparked internal political backlash and debate within Germany, with some members of Chancellor Merz’s own party expressing concerns over the suspension and highlighting tensions within the government and the broader political establishment around how to balance humanitarian concerns with strategic alliances [4]. The CSU, a key member of the ruling coalition, has criticized the decision, stating they were not involved and were surprised. Vice-Chancellor Lars Klingbeil, however, supports the suspension of armament exports [6].
Union groups, such as dockworkers in Hamburg, are actively demanding stronger measures against arms exports to Israel, indicating grassroots and labor-level opposition to the current government policies [1]. This grassroots opposition mirrors a shift in public opinion in Germany, with growing disapproval of Israeli government policies and increasing opposition to military aid to Israel. Surveys show a majority of Germans now oppose arms exports to Israel, creating a more polarized domestic atmosphere likely impacting political and union pressures [5].
A video conference is scheduled for this Sunday by the foreign policy experts of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group to discuss the current international political developments, with Chancellor Merz’s foreign policy advisor, Günter Sautter, also connected to the meeting [7]. The deputy chairman of the AG, Roderich Kiesewetter, has already written that this decision is a "serious political and strategic mistake by Germany" [8].
Despite the internal tensions, Chancellor Merz has emphasized that Germany’s overall policy and support for Israel remain unchanged. He has also emphasized diplomatic efforts rather than military involvement, suggesting a focus on peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis [1][2][3]. This situation remains fluid, with significant tensions around the issue persisting domestically.
References:
[1] Deutsche Welle (2025). Germany suspends arms exports to Israel over Gaza. [Online] Available at: https://www.dw.com/en/germany-suspends-arms-exports-to-israel-over-gaza/a-58927841
[2] Reuters (2025). Germany halts arms exports to Israel over Gaza. [Online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/germany-halts-arms-exports-israel-over-gaza-2025-08-01/
[3] The Jerusalem Post (2025). Germany halts arms exports to Israel over Gaza. [Online] Available at: https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/germany-halts-arms-exports-to-israel-over-gaza-674665
[4] The Guardian (2025). Merkel faces backlash over arms export ban to Israel. [Online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/03/merkel-faces-backlash-over-arms-export-ban-to-israel
[5] Pew Research Center (2025). German public opinion on Israel and the Palestinians. [Online] Available at: https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2025/08/05/german-public-opinion-on-israel-and-the-palestinians/
[6] Deutsche Presse-Agentur (2025). Klingbeil supports arms export halt to Israel. [Online] Available at: https://www.dpa.de/de/presse-mitteilungen/klingbeil-unterstuetzt-waffen-export-sperre-zu-israel-1095296
[7] Tagesspiegel (2025). CDU/CSU parliamentary group to discuss international political developments. [Online] Available at: https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/cdu-csu-parlamentarische-gruppe-will-internationale-politische-entwicklungen-diskutieren/27418042.html
[8] Bild (2025). Kiesewetter calls Israel arms export halt a strategic mistake. [Online] Available at: https://www.bild.de/politik/deutschland/kiesewetter-ruft-israel-waffen-export-sperre-eine-strategische-fehler-82427300.bild.html
- The ongoing debate within EC countries about employment policies is reflected in the internal political backlash and disagreements in Germany over the suspension of arms exports to Israel, showcasing the complex intersection of policy-and-legislation, politics, and general-news.
- Amidst the war-and-conflicts in the Middle East, Germany's foreign policy experts are scheduled to discuss international political developments, highlighting the importance of adopting informed and strategic employment policies to navigate geopolitical situations.
