Israeli sanctions do not encompass Merz
The European Union (EU) Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, has proposed a series of sanctions against Israel in response to criticisms of its military actions in the Gaza Strip. Among the proposed measures, von der Leyen wants to withdraw trade preferences that affect 37 percent of Israeli exports to the EU.
This sanctions proposal has sparked a heated debate within the German government, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressing his stance during his recent visit to Madrid. Merz stated that he expects the federal government to have a position at the informal council on October 1 in Copenhagen that is supported by the entire federal government.
The CDU parliamentary group within the Black-Red coalition supports the introduction of personnel sanctions against Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Interior Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who are accused of human rights violations and incitement to hatred. However, within the CDU, there is opposition to trade sanctions, and the CSU is strictly against further punitive measures.
There is some openness to personal sanctions within the CDU, but the discussion of this position will take place in the coming week. The SPD advocates putting more pressure on Israel, but the exact nature of their proposed actions remains unclear.
The federal government plans to formulate its position on von der Leyen's proposed sanctions against Israel by the EU summit at the beginning of October. The informal council mentioned is scheduled to take place on October 1 in Copenhagen.
This controversial issue has divided the German government, with the CDU parliamentary group and the SPD pushing for action, while the CSU and other factions expressing reservations about the proposed sanctions. The outcome of the discussions in the coming week will likely shape Germany's stance on this sensitive matter.
Read also:
- United States tariffs pose a threat to India, necessitating the recruitment of adept negotiators or strategists, similar to those who had influenced Trump's decisions.
- Weekly happenings in the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)
- Southwest region's most popular posts, accompanied by an inquiry:
- Discussion between Putin and Trump in Alaska could potentially overshadow Ukraine's concerns
