Administrative body denies alteration in politics leaning towards Israel - Government denies altering its policy towards Israel
In a significant policy shift, Germany has suspended arms exports to Israel specifically for use in the Gaza Strip "until further notice." This decision, announced by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, comes in response to Israel's decision to take control of Gaza City, aimed at dismantling Hamas and securing hostages.
The embargo is limited to arms exports for Gaza use, not a total halt of weapons shipments to Israel. However, it signals increased scrutiny and a potential re-evaluation of parts of the bilateral relationship within Germany’s broader foreign policy framework.
This move marks a departure from Germany's historical role as one of Israel’s most staunch allies. The suspension reflects increased caution in military support amidst the heightened conflict in Gaza. The German government continues to uphold Israel’s right to self-defense, emphasizing protection against Hamas terrorism and supporting efforts toward hostage release and ceasefire negotiations.
Public opinion in Germany has also notably shifted. Polling data shows a marked decline in favorable views toward Israel and increased opposition to German weapons exports to Israel. Nevertheless, Germany's overall stance continues to support Israel's right to self-defense.
Humanitarian aid to Gaza has also been stepped up as a first response to the crisis, reflecting a nuanced approach that balances support for Israel’s security with concerns over the humanitarian consequences of the conflict.
The German government is closely monitoring the situation in the West Bank and is concerned about annexation threats, illegal settlements, and settler violence against Palestinians. In the European Union, the Federal Government has sought a "balanced solution," meaning it has prevented harsher measures by the EU against Israel.
The decision by Friedrich Merz does not change the basic lines of German Israel policy from the perspective of the Federal Government. Talks between Merz and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul with the Israeli government are ongoing to improve the supply situation of people in the Gaza Strip.
The suspension of arms exports is not the only indication of Germany's evolving stance. The German government has communicated to the Israeli government its opposition to efforts to achieve Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territories. This stance, along with the public's changing sentiment, is increasingly influencing policy debates and potentially constraining Germany’s traditional unequivocal support for Israel’s security.
This article was first published on ntv.
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- Despite Germany's historical alliance with Israel, the recent suspension of arms exports to Israel for use in the Gaza Strip suggests a shift in policy-and-legislation, reflecting a growing politics of war-and-conflicts and a changing general-news landscape within the country.
- The evolving stance of the German government on Israel, as demonstrated by the arms export suspension and opposition to Israel's annexation of Palestinian territories, is influenced by both policy-and-legislation and public opinion, indicative of a shift in the broader Community policy framework that could potentially constrain Germany's traditional support for Israel's security.
