"Taking One for the Team": Israel's Ambassador Defends Merz's Support Against Criticism
Israel's ambassador speaks out in support of Merz, addressing criticism directed towards him. - Israeli envoy backs Merz amidst criticisms
Israel's Ambassador to Germany, Ron Prosor, has commended the backing expressed by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for Israel's strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, brushing off criticism of his choice of words. "Merz's candid statements reflect the harsh realities of the Middle East," Prosor told the German Press Agency, adding, "Israel isn't just fighting for itself, but for the entire world on this issue."
During a recent interview on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Canada, Merz was unapologetic when he declared, "That's the 'taking one for the team' that Israel is doing for us all." This statement set off a firestorm of criticism from opposition and SPD politicians who deemed his words inappropriate.
Moderator Diana Zimmermann initially posed the question, using the phrase "taking one for the team," and Merz readily adopted the term - his full answer was, "Ms. Zimmermann, I appreciate your phrasing. That's the 'taking one for the team' that Israel is doing for us all. We're all facing the same danger, this regime brings death and destruction to the world."
"Turning off the terror tap"
With Prosor's endorsement, Merz's choice of words continues to resonate. "The Iranian nuclear program is primarily a threat to Israel, but it also endangers the security of countries like Germany, France, and England," Prosor explained to the dpa. "The rockets hitting Tel Aviv and Jerusalem could easily reach Berlin, Paris, or London. The terror supply chain must be stopped."
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"A test of spine"
In Prosor's view, progress has already been made in this arena. "Arms shipments for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine have been reduced significantly. The Houthi rebels' attacks on maritime traffic between Europe and Asia have decreased too." The world is closely watching Europe's response to the escalating tensions in the Middle East, Prosor added, "It's a test of the spine of Europeans to stand up for their values and interests as they see fit."
- Friedrich Merz
- "Taking One for the Team"
- Israel
- Ron Prosor
- ZDF
- Diana Zimmermann
- Iran
- Berlin
- CDU
- German Press Agency
- G7 summit
- Canada
- For the EC countries, it's crucial to stand united in the face of war-and-conflicts, such as the escalating tensions in the Middle East, considering the potential threat the Iranian nuclear program poses to countries like Germany, France, and England, as underscored by Israel's Ambassador to Germany, Ron Prosor.
- In politics, a test of policy-and-legislation and the spine of leaders often arises during times of war-and-conflicts, as seen with Friedrich Merz's remarks on Israel's role in containing the Iranian threat, a stance that was echoed by Ron Prosor, further emphasizing the need for united global action to prevent the free movement of dangerous actors and the free movement of weapons, a point of concern that also resonates in general-news and discussions.
