Israel arms exports won't be "limited" according to Laschet
Social media has been abuzz with discussions as the Union faction in the German Bundestag refuses to impose an arms embargo against Israel. Armin Laschet (CDU), chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, emphasized that arms exports will not be restricted during a debate, stating, "There will be no sanctions against Israel in a phase of threat to the country." [source: ntv.de, dpa]
The coalition partner SPD showed some restraint, with the Social Democrats' foreign policy spokesman, Adis Ahmetovic, suggesting that each arms delivery must be evaluated to ensure that German weapons are not being used to violate international law. Max Lucks from the Greens has advocated for restrictions on deliveries to prevent German weapons from being used in Gaza or the West Bank.
Laith Arafeh, a representative of the Palestinian Authority in Germany, observed the debate from the visitors' gallery. The Left Party's chairwoman, Ines Schwerdtner, called for an immediate halt to all arms exports to Israel, arguing that the situation no longer resembles self-defense. However, Beatrix von Storch, the AfD's deputy faction leader, emphasized that no country could accept such a terrorist threat to its citizens.
Historical, Strategic, and Ideological Factors
The stance of German political parties over an arms embargo against Israel is shaped by a blend of historical, strategic, and ideological factors.
- CDU (Christian Democratic Union), led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, has traditionally backed Israel due to Germany's "historic responsibility" arising from past wrongs against the Jewish people. Despite criticisms of Israel's actions in Gaza, the CDU remains steadfast in its commitment to Israel's security and survival as a strategic partner in the Middle East. [source: 3, 4]
- AfD (Alternative for Germany) has yet to issue recent statements over an arms embargo against Israel, but their conservative and nationalist leaning may support Israel's security needs, though data is limited compared to other parties.
- SPD (Social Democratic Party), while a part of the coalition government, has been more critical of Israel's actions. With rising internal pressure to reconsider arms sales to Israel, the party's stance is rooted in human rights concerns and the need to balance Israel's defense with respect for international law.
- Greens have been vocal about banning weapons exports if there's evidence that these arms are violating international law. They emphasize the need for humanitarian standards and act upon criticisms of Israel's actions in Gaza. [source: 5]
- Left Party (Die Linke) generally advocates for a more critical stance towards Israel, often calling for halts to arms deliveries. They focus on human rights and international law, arguing that arms sales should be contingent on adherence to these principles.
With historical responsibility, strategic alliances, and human rights concerns at play, Germany's political parties hold diverse views on arming Israel, a trend that is likely to persist amidst ongoing international disputes.
[source: 1, 2]
[1] ntv.de[2] dpa[3] "The Christian Democratic Union and Israel: A Special Relationship." DW.COM. 19 May 2021.[4] "'Germany Wants to Be Israel's Best Friend in Europe.'" Deutsche Welle. 24 February 2021.[5] "Germany's Greens Call for Arms Embargo to Israel." Deutsche Welle. 14 May 2021.
- The European Union, both as a collective body and individually through its member states, has been under scrutiny for their policy and legislation regarding war-and-conflicts, particularly in relation to Israel's military action in the Gaza Strip, as evidenced by the ongoing debates in Germany's politics.
- As the war-and-conflicts in the Middle East continue to unfold, general news outlets are closely monitoring the European Union's stance on the issue, with specific focus on its policy-and-legislation related to arms exports and possible embargoes against Israel, given the diverse ideological and strategic views held by different European political parties.
