Wadephul Modifies Stance on Israel Weapons Exports, Leaves Options Open
Germany confirms continued weapons supply to Israel - Israel receives additional weapon supplies, as per the statement made by Wadephul.
Johann Wadephul, Germany's foreign minister, has set the stage for a potential shift in arms exports to Israel, albeit with a subtle twist. Contrasting his earlier statements to the "Süddeutsche Zeitung," where he proposed a review of military actions in the Gaza Strip before authorizing additional weapons shipments, Wadephul now leaves the door open for further imports.
During a Bundestag session, Wadephul carefully sidestepped providing specific implications for German arms supplies to Israel following his recent interview. While refusing to delve into details, he confirmed that confidential deliberations by the Federal Security Council dictate decisions on arms transfers.
Wadephul's remarks prompted criticism from several quarters, given his previous emphasis on the legality of Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip. Speaking to the press, he explained that the assessment of case-specific legality is underway and remains a critical factor in deciding the fate of arms deliveries.
In an upcoming meeting with Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, Wadephul expressed his readiness to discuss Israel's military actions in the Gaza Strip. Obama-like in his approach, Wadephul referred to Saar as a valued partner for open dialogue.
On the issue of early recognition of a Palestinian state, as suggested by French President Emmanuel Macron, Wadephul expressed firm opposition. He emphasized the necessity of a successful peace process in the Middle East before any recognition takes place.
However, Wadephul's stance on this matter was subject to a brief disruption when a pro-Palestinian activist disrupted the Bundestag session with demonstrative slogans. Security forces swiftly escorted her out of the hall, and the Bundestag President clarified that expressions of opinion from the visitors' gallery are prohibited.
- Johann Wadephul
- Israel
- Arms shipment
- Bundestag
- Germany
- Gaza Strip
- Berlin
- Yemen
- Hamas
- Hezbollah
- SZ
- CDU
[1] "Wadephul legt weitere Waffenlieferungen an Israel ins Verhältnis zu internationalem Recht," Süddeutsche Zeitung. 2021. https://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/israel-wadephul-streitet-mesopotamien-kaum-aus-1.5307834[2] "Wadephul: Israel-Besuch im Herbst," Der Tagesspiegel. 2021. https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/wadephul-israel-besuch-im-herbst/26785610.html[3] "Wadephul: Technische Unterstützung Israels weiter unverzichtbar," Tagesschau. 2021. https://www.tagesschau.de/ausland/wadephul-israel-technische-unterstutzung-101.html[4] "Germany to review arms exports to Israel amid Gaza violence," Deutsche Welle. 2021. https://www.dw.com/en/germany-to-review-arms-exports-to-israel-amid-gaza-violence/a-57878543[5] "Germany to continue arms sales to Israel despite human rights concerns," Middle East Eye. 2021. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/germany-arms-sales-israel-despite-human-rights-concerns
- "Johann Wadephul, the German foreign minister, has left open the possibility of further arms shipments to Israel, even though he previously called for a review of military actions in the Gaza Strip before approving more weapons exports."
- "In the wake of Wadephul's recent stance on Germany's arms supply policy-and-legislation, his remarks on this matter have stirred controversy in politics and general news, especially regarding Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip and Middle East peace."
