"Untidy Chores" Remark: Israel's Ambassador Safeguards Merz Amidst Controversy Over Nuclear Strikes
Israel Ambassador defends Merz from Criticism: Diplomatic Representative Hails Merz's Actions Amidst Controversy - Israeli envoy stands by Merz amidst criticisms
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Israel's ambassador, Ron Prosor, has welcomed the backing expressed by the German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, for Israel's invasions of Iran's nuclear facilities and has stood by the CDU chairman against criticism of his choice of words. "German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has laid bare the actualities in the Middle East with his word selection," Prosor shared with the German Press Agency.
During the G7 summit in Canada, Merz stated, "That's the underhanded work Israel is undertaking for us all." His statement faced furious opposition from politicians in the opposition and the SPD.
ZDF moderator Diana Zimmermann had initially used the term "underhanded work" in her question, and Merz adopted it - his full response was: "Dear Ms. Zimmermann, I appreciate your usage of the term 'underhanded work'. That's the underhanded work that Israel is performing for us all. We are also ensnared in these dangers posed by the regime. This regime led by mullahs has spun disaster and devastation across the globe."
"The supply chain of terror needs to be severed"
Now, Prosor defends the phrasing in the face of criticisms. "The Iranian nuclear program predominantly targets Israel, yet threatens the security of the entire world," he noted to the dpa. "The rockets currently slamming Tel Aviv and Jerusalem also jeopardize Berlin, Paris, and London. The supply chain of terror must be broken."
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"The proving ground for Europeans"
Prosor believes that this development is already underway. "Weapons deliveries for the conflict in Ukraine have been considerably delayed. The attacks by the Houthis on maritime traffic between Europe and Asia have lessened." The global gaze is upon Europe, as populations watch closely to see whether Europeans will assert their convictions and interests independently. "This serves as a test, to determine whether Europeans are prepared to uphold their fundamental values and interests."
- Friedrich Merz
- Underhanded Work
- Israel
- Ron Prosor
- ZDF
- Diana Zimmermann
- Iran
- Berlin
- CDU
- German Press Agency
- G7 summit
- Canada
Insights
In June 2025, Friedrich Merz, the German Chancellor, employed the phrase "underhanded work" to describe Israel's military actions against Iran's nuclear facilities, suggesting that Israel was taking on perilous, covert actions in the interests of the West. Critics and commentators interpreted Merz’s statement as a reflection of the harsh realities behind official government rhetoric, implying that Israel is undertaking the most risky and direct military actions ("underhanded work") that serve geopolitical interests of global powers.
Merz's remarks signify a viewpoint where Israel is seen as the primary actor executing aggressive, undercover operations against Iran, including the assassination of military personnel and bombings, while representing the collective Western effort to wane Iran’s nuclear ambitions. This perspective places Israel's assaults at the bottom of a hierarchy of imperialist power dynamics aimed at controlling the Middle East [1].
[1] Recall, Merz also called for a regime change in Iran if Tehran refuses to negotiate, signifying Israel may further intensify its actions.
- In the midst of intense debate over Israel's covert actions against Iran's nuclear facilities, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's use of the term "underhanded work" drew criticism from many, with Israel's Ambassador Ron Prosor coming to Merz's defense.
- During discussions on EU policies and legislations, the implications of Merz's choice of words in regard to Israel's role remain a topic of interest, particularly in the context of general news and politics.
