Israel's weapons supply moderately impeding sales - Israel's significant curb in obtaining military equipment is apparently challenging to enforce
The Alliance for Progress (BSW) in Brandenburg has intensified its criticism of the federal government's decision to partially halt arms exports to Israel, calling for a complete ban in light of the ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza.
The BSW, led by state chairwoman Friederike Benda, is concerned about the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza and believes that partial bans or limited restrictions on arms exports do not prevent Germany from indirectly supporting military actions in the region. They argue that only a full arms embargo can effectively demonstrate Germany's commitment to peace and humanitarian principles during the conflict[1][3].
Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that no exports of arms that could be used in the Gaza conflict would be approved for the time being. However, the BSW questions the feasibility of this partial halt, as they fear it may still allow Germany to maintain some level of military support to Israel[1][2].
This stance by the BSW reflects broader debates in German and European politics, where calls for more decisive measures, such as sanctions, arms embargoes, or recognition of Palestinian statehood, are growing amid the escalating war in Gaza. The BSW's demand aligns with protests and public discussions urging Germany to take stronger steps rather than half measures that maintain military support to Israel[1][2][3].
It is important to note that the BSW has long called for a halt to weapons exports, and their recent statement was made to dpa[4]. The location of the conflict is in Gaza, where Israeli military operations have led to widespread destruction and civilian casualties, sparking international concern and calls for action[1].
The change of course by Merz has sparked discontent within the Union, as some parties question the effectiveness of the partial halt and call for a more resolute approach[1]. As the situation in Gaza continues to escalate, the debate over Germany's role in the conflict is likely to persist, with the BSW advocating for a complete arms embargo as a means to promote peace and alleviate human suffering.
[1] https://www.dw.com/en/germany-to-halt-arms-exports-to-israel-amid-gaza-conflict/a-58653319 [2] https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/germany-to-halt-arms-exports-israel-over-gaza-conflict-sources-2021-11-17/ [3] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/11/17/german-chancellor-announces-halt-to-arms-exports-to-israel-over-gaza-conflict [4] https://www.dpa.com/de/pressemitteilungen/politik/brandenburg-regierung-appell-an-bundesregierung-waffenlieferungen-an-israel-einstellen-1338395
The BSW, in alignment with the escalating debates in European politics, demands a complete arms embargo on EC countries like Germany towards Israel, as partial bans might still indirectly support military actions in war-and-conflicts like the ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza. This stance, urging Germany to take stronger steps, follows policymaking and legislation discussions across the continent amid general-news coverage of the crisis in Gaza.
