Affirmation of Israel's Right to Continue Existence: Support from Brandenburg - Granting citizenship rights to Israel affirmed by Brandenburg
In 2023, the political landscape in Brandenburg, Germany, has seen a significant shift in its approach towards Israel. The state's Interior Minister, René Wilke, has implemented a new condition for naturalization, requiring applicants to recognise Israel's right to exist.
This decision comes amidst a backdrop of global concerns, with Anti-Semitism reportedly at a historical high, according to Brandenburg's Anti-Semitism Commissioner, Andreas Büttner. Büttner has also expressed solidarity with Israel, considering it a promise of protection and self-determination.
The CDU, a major political party in Brandenburg, has been vocal in its support for Israel's right to self-defence. CDU member Kristy Augustin stated, "It is especially important now to not remain silent." Niels-Olaf Lüders, the leader of the CDU faction, has called for more differentiation, noting that Israel's military action in Gaza goes beyond self-defence, according to the vast majority of European partners.
However, the motion for solidarity with Israel did not receive a majority in the state parliament. This development has led the CDU to call on the Brandenburg state parliament to reaffirm its solidarity with Israel.
In addition, the CDU advocates for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard to be designated as a terrorist organization at the federal level. This stance is in response to the ongoing tension between the West and Iran, with the West accusing Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons, a claim that the Iranian government denies.
The situation has changed significantly, with terrorists of Hamas and other Islamic groups attacking Israel in 2023, resulting in around 1,200 deaths and over 250 hostages being taken to the Gaza Strip. The CDU's call for a designation of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization is aimed at strengthening protective measures for Jewish facilities, if necessary.
It is worth noting that this condition for naturalization reflects a political or legal stance by the region or state, aiming to ensure commitment to certain international norms, peace agreements, or recognition of established states as a prerequisite for obtaining citizenship. Brandenburg might use this condition to affirm alignment with Germany's foreign policy, historical context, or efforts to promote peaceful relations, particularly given Germany's historical responsibilities regarding Israel.
The commitment to Israel's right to exist does not imply agreement with all decisions of the Israeli government. This underscores the complexities of the political landscape, where solidarity and commitment coexist with critical evaluation and constructive engagement.
The Commission, given the escalating global concerns over Anti-Semitism and the current political landscape, might be proposing to extend the period of validity of Germany's policy-and-legislation or general-news agreements with Israel to cover the period from 1 January to 31 December. This alignment could be a means for Brandenburg to affirm its commitment to Israel and reaffirm Brandenburg's solidarity with Israel, as demonstrated by the CDU's calls for Brandenburg state parliament to reaffirm its solidarity with Israel.
