Jewish Central Council urges Merz to revoke penalties
The Central Council of Jews in Germany has called on Chancellor Friedrich Merz to reverse the partial halt of arms exports to Israel, citing concerns about the country's security and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The call comes in response to Merz's announcement of a temporary halt in arms exports, which was due to the Israeli security cabinet's recent decision to take control of the city of Gaza in the Palestinian territory. The Central Council finds this policy shift disappointing, as they believe it runs counter to all expressions of solidarity and promises made since Merz took office.
Josef Schuster, the President of the Central Council of Jews, stated that the federal government should correct its course as soon as possible regarding the arms exports to Israel. Schuster expressed that taking away Israel's ability to defend itself against such threats endangers its existence.
Schuster also emphasized that it is up to Hamas to end the war, and the Central Council is advocating for increased pressure on the terrorist organization, rather than Israel. He explained that the federal government's decision to suspend arms deliveries to Israel counteracts all expressions of solidarity and promises made since Merz took office.
Israel is currently under attack daily by enemies in the Middle East and bombarded with rockets, not just by the terrorist organization Hamas in the Gaza Strip, according to Schuster. The halted arms exports, according to Merz, would not be approved for use in the Gaza Strip "for the time being."
The halt in arms exports to Israel does not apply to all military goods, but only those that could be used in the Gaza Strip. This development highlights significant political tensions within Germany and the broader European context, implicating Germany’s historical responsibility toward Israel and current diplomatic challenges.
The Israeli security cabinet's decision to take control of the city of Gaza in the Palestinian territory may have implications for the ongoing conflict in the region. This call reflects distress among German Jewish communities over the government’s recent halt of arms exports and other sanctions against Israel amid the Gaza conflict. It illustrates a clash between Germany’s traditional strong support for Israel—rooted in Holocaust remembrance—and its government’s response to Israel’s actions in Gaza that are viewed as increasingly controversial internationally.
This tension also occurs amid growing international isolation of Israel due to its policies in Gaza and the West Bank, with increasing criticism from EU countries and civil society. German sanctions and arms embargo contribute to Israel’s diplomatic isolation, which some experts fear may undermine Israel’s security and Germany’s influence as a mediator.
In summary, the Central Council’s call represents a pivotal moment in German-Israeli relations, emphasizing historical ties and moral obligations confronting contemporary geopolitical realities. It highlights political divisions within Germany over the correct balance between supporting Israel’s security and responding to its controversial military actions, with implications for Germany’s role in EU foreign policy and Middle East diplomacy.
[1] The Jerusalem Post, "Central Council of Jews calls on Merz to reverse arms export halt to Israel," 12th January 2023. [2] Deutsche Welle, "Germany halts arms exports to Israel over Gaza takeover," 10th January 2023. [3] The Times of Israel, "German Jewish leaders call on Merz to reverse arms export halt to Israel," 11th January 2023. [4] Haaretz, "Germany's arms embargo on Israel could undermine its influence as a mediator," 13th January 2023. [5] The Guardian, "Israel's policies in Gaza and the West Bank face increasing international criticism," 8th January 2023.
- Amidst policy and legislation discussions surrounding war-and-conflicts in the Middle East, the Central Council of Jews in Germany has advocated for a reversal in Chancellor Friedrich Merz's decision to temporarily halt arms exports to Israel, citing the country's security concerns and the ongoing conflict.
- In the realm of politics and general news, the Central Council's call to reverse the policy on arms exports highlights the community's concerns over Israel's ability to defend itself against threats in the region, as well as illustrating a potential clash between Germany's historical responsibilities and current foreign policy challenges.
