Discussion underway on potential restrictions in arms sales to Israel by the Union - Discussion underway in the European Union regarding potential temporary stoppage of weapons sales to Israel
The German Union parties, CDU and CSU, are largely critical and upset about Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s decision to impose a partial arms export ban to Israel. Many within CDU and especially CSU view this as a serious mistake that damages Germany’s longstanding security cooperation and political relationship with Israel.
The decision was made unilaterally by Merz without prior consultation with his own party members, which has deepened the backlash.
CDU members describe the ban as a strategic and political error, arguing it undermines Germany’s credibility and commitment as a security partner of Israel by halting deliveries of weapons that support Israel’s defense and NATO cooperation. CDU MP Roderich Kiesewetter said the ban risks hurting the principle of “raison d’état” that prioritizes protecting Israel, including through arms cooperation.
The CSU, CDU’s Bavarian sister party, is especially vocal in condemning the move, calling it a foreign policy error with lasting repercussions. CSU leadership expressed being sidelined, as they were not consulted before the embargo, which they regard as problematic given the long historical and political continuity of Germany's support for Israel.
Within CDU, there are some supporters of Merz’s halt, such as Norbert Röttgen, who view the ban as a necessary response to Israel’s recent decisions regarding Gaza, reflecting concerns over humanitarian and civilian casualties. However, this is outweighed by the broader criticism from the conservative camp.
Chancellor Merz justified the partial ban by emphasizing Germany must not facilitate weapons use in a conflict that could cause extensive civilian deaths, and cited social tensions within Germany and Europe as factors. However, this rationale has been met with skepticism and anger from party members who see it as yielding to external pressures, including antisemitic incidents domestically.
The partial arms embargo marks a departure from Germany’s historically very strong security policy toward Israel, which has been considered a cornerstone of German foreign policy since Merkel’s era. The decision complicates Germany’s strategic relationship with Israel and risks isolating Germany from both Israel and some European allies that maintain more robust support.
Israel strongly opposes the embargo, with Prime Minister Netanyahu accusing Merz of yielding to misleading media pressure and hoping the policy will be reversed.
In summary, the CDU/CSU's current stance is predominantly one of disapproval and concern about the impact of the partial arms export ban, viewing it as detrimental to Germany’s security policy and its historically close relationship with Israel. The unilateral nature of the decision and its timing in a sensitive conflict have intensified intra-party tensions and raised questions about Germany's future role and credibility as Israel’s security partner.
Some key figures within the parties have expressed their concerns. Stephan Mayer, the CSU’s foreign policy expert, strongly criticizes the partial ban, arguing that Israel's security should not be weakened, especially in current circumstances. Mayer advocates for a clear distinction between offensive weapons and defensive systems like air and missile defense.
Roderich Kiesewetter, another CDU politician, criticizes the decision as a "serious political and strategic mistake." Carsten Müller, another CDU politician, condemns the step and accuses the federal government of ignoring the ongoing threat to Israel from radical Islamic Hamas and its allies.
The coalition partner SPD also supports the decision but calls for further measures. Pilsinger, discussing the partial arms export ban to Israel, is uncertain about the interpretation of "no weapons that can be used in the Gaza Strip" as it may limit deliveries significantly. Pilsinger points out the importance of security policy cooperation with Israel to Germany's interests, particularly in areas like air defense or counter-terrorism intelligence.
The Union's specialist politicians are set to discuss Israel policy at a special meeting of the working group on foreign policy on Sunday. The meeting will take place via video conference due to the parliamentary summer recess. The debate promises to be intense, as the parties grapple with the implications of the partial arms export ban and its impact on Germany's relationship with Israel.
In light of the partial arms export ban to Israel, Union politicians like Stephan Mayer (CSU) and Roderich Kiesewetter (CDU) have vocalized their concerns, viewing the decision as a "serious political and strategic mistake." Mayer emphasizes that Israel's security should not be weakened, particularly in the current circumstances, and advocates for a clear distinction between offensive and defensive weapons. Meanwhile, Carsten Müller (CDU) criticizes the federal government for ignoring the ongoing threat to Israel from radical Islamic groups like Hamas and their allies.
The coalition partner SPD supports the decision but calls for further measures, leading to an intense debate among the parties about the implications of the partial arms export ban for Germany's relationship with Israel.
