Growing belief emerges that Merz is incapable of
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz Faces Criticism Over Israel Arms Embargo
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is facing growing criticism from within his own party, the Union (CDU/CSU), following his decision to impose a partial arms embargo on Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The controversy began on August 8, 2025, when Merz announced that Germany would halt exports of weapons that could be used in Gaza, marking a significant departure from Germany’s historical policy of robust support for Israel. This decision, which surprised both Israeli officials and members of Merz’s own faction, has sparked intense backlash.
Lack of Consultation and Unilateral Decision-Making
Leaders within the CSU, the CDU’s Bavarian sister party, have criticized Merz for not involving the party in the decision. CSU faction leader Alexander Hoffmann called it a “contentious and unilateral” move and demanded an explanation.
Strategic and Security Concerns
CSU figures like Horst Seehofer and Stefan Pilsinger have warned that the embargo risks harming Germany’s security cooperation with Israel, particularly in intelligence sharing and air defense systems. Germany benefits from Israeli technology for its own military and NATO defense, including $260 million arms deals with Israel’s Elbit Systems, which could be jeopardized.
Moral and Political Backlash
CDU MPs have also expressed strong disapproval, accusing Merz of betraying Germany’s core values of solidarity with Israel. For example, MP Karsten Müller emphasized that the embargo ignores important military cooperation. Joe Chialo, outgoing culture senator and CDU member, highlighted the irony that Germans would rely on Israeli defense technology (e.g., Iron Dome) if attacked but are now restricting arms exports.
Internal Party Tension and Emergency Meetings
The decision has triggered calls within the CDU/CSU for special meetings to debate the issue and discuss coalition failures, indicating heightened internal discord. Although government spokespeople downplayed the urgency, the controversy is considered serious enough to provoke emergency discussions among party leadership.
Broader Political Consequences
The controversy around Merz’s foreign policy has contributed to widespread dissatisfaction with his chancellorship among the German public, as reflected in polls showing nearly 70% disapproval. This dissatisfaction also coincides with the right-wing AfD overtaking the CDU/CSU in some surveys, suggesting internal party strain risks political fallout.
Attempts at Damage Control
Parliamentary State Secretary Matthias Hauer initially criticized the Chancellor’s decision to restrict weapons deliveries to Israel, but later backtracked and stated that Germany and its Federal Chancellor stand by Israel’s side. Faction business manager Steffen Bilger of the Union faction stated that they had to "accept" the Chancellor’s decision.
Hessian Minister President Boris Rhein welcomed the Chancellor’s clarification that there is no change in German Israel policy, but also emphasized that the Hessian CDU stands "unreservedly on the side of Israel." The JU chairman, Johannes Winkel, suggested that the Chancellor is using a double standard with his criticism of Israeli actions and support for them in the past.
The Future of the Coalition
The CSU’s participation in the coalition has cost them dearly, with Merz taking most of the beating when the coalition had to choose between expanding the mother’s pension and lowering the electricity tax for private households. The decision affects gearboxes used in Israeli tanks, but it does not apply to arms exports of air and sea defense, central to Israel’s self-defense.
As the controversy continues, it remains to be seen how the Union faction will navigate these internal tensions and whether Merz’s foreign policy decisions will have lasting consequences for his chancellorship and the coalition.
[1] Die Welt [2] Der Spiegel [3] Tagesschau [4] FAZ
The Commission, in response to the internal crisis within the CDU/CSU over the Israel arms embargo, is proposing to extend the deadline for the submission of proposals to the Council regarding foreign policy decisions, aiming to alleviate tensions and facilitate discussions. Despite the ongoing political turmoil, the impact of this controversy on German politics and the country's general news landscape can hardly be overlooked.
