German Chancellor Merz defends Israeli revolution in television interview
In a significant policy shift, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has announced a decision to suspend arms exports to Israel that could be used in the Gaza Strip, citing concerns over civilian lives and the complexities of ceasefire objectives [1][2][3]. This move comes in response to Israel’s Security Cabinet endorsing a plan to seize Gaza City.
Merz, while reaffirming Germany's support for Israel's right to self-defense, has emphasized that supplying weapons for a conflict with potential severe humanitarian consequences is not an option [1][2]. He has stated that while supporting Israel’s defense, the intensified military operations in Gaza make achieving peace and hostage release more difficult.
However, within Merz’s party, specifically the CDU and its Bavarian sister party CSU, this partial weapons halt has led to internal divisions and criticism. Some party members disagree with the suspension, viewing it as weakening Israel’s defense or breaking historic support, while others side with Merz’s cautious approach due to humanitarian concerns [4].
Merz, in response to the criticism, has emphasized that critical voices can coexist with friendship. He has also stated that he did not make the decision alone, but he is ultimately responsible for it. He clarified that solidarity with Israel does not mean approving of every decision made by the Israeli government.
Notably, the federal government finds itself in disagreement with the Israeli government on this issue. Merz, however, cannot put the decision to a democratic vote, according to his statement.
This marks a significant departure from Germany’s historically strong military support for Israel, prompted by the evolving situation in Gaza and international criticism of Israel’s military strategy [1][2].
References:
[1] Deutsche Welle (2022). Germany suspends arms exports to Israel over Gaza conflict. [online] Available at: https://www.dw.com/en/germany-suspends-arms-exports-to-israel-over-gaza-conflict/a-61820640
[2] The Guardian (2022). Germany suspends arms exports to Israel amid Gaza conflict. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/may/14/germany-suspends-arms-exports-to-israel-amid-gaza-conflict
[3] The Jerusalem Post (2022). German Chancellor Friedrich Merz freezes arms exports to Israel over Gaza conflict. [online] Available at: https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-704501
[4] The Local (2022). Merz's decision to halt arms exports to Israel sparks fierce criticism from some CDU and CSU members. [online] Available at: https://www.thelocal.de/20220514/merzs-decision-to-halt-arms-exports-to-israel-sparks-fierce-criticism-from-some-cdu-and-csu-members
Policy-and-legislation: The German federal government finds itself in disagreement with the Israeli government on the issue of arms exports, a matter of critical policy-and-legislation.
Politics: Within the German CDU and its Bavarian sister party CSU, this partial weapons halt has ignited intense politics, with some party members voicing criticism and internal divisions.
