Vice-Chancellor Steers Clear of Merz's "Grubby Work" Label on Israel: A Closer Look
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Klingbeil denounces Merz's comment on underhanded tactics - Klingbeil disavows Merz's "sordid tasks" phraseology
Vice-Chancellor Lars Klingbeil shuns the "grubby work" term coined by Chancellor Friedrich Merz when describing Israel's confrontation with Iran. Confronted with whether Merz (CDU) spoke for him too when he asserted Israel was performing "grubby work" for all, the SPD leader, speaking on the ARD talk show "Maischberger," declared, "Nah, that's not my brand of speech."
However, Klingbeil agreed that Iran, which rejects Israel's right to exist for years and secretes a nuclear program, attempts to thwart any progress. "And I want to make it very clear that any scenario in which Iran is impeded in its nuclear program is a significant victory," said Klingbeil. Regarding the success of recent military actions, he expressed uncertainty, commenting "[I] think we should admit that it's right if Iran's production of nuclear weapons is hindered."
United in Grubby Work, Divided on Regime Change
Klingbeil shares Merz's viewpoint that the Iranian regime should cease to exist. "Of course, it'd be great if this regime disappeared," said Klingbeil. "But, I don't believe you can effect regime change through military might. I think it must arise from within the nation, from the citizens."
Merz faced heavy backlash after expressing Israel was currently undertaking the "grubby work" for the West in their struggle against Iran in mid-June.
- Grubby work
- Lars Klingbeil
- Friedrich Merz
- Iran
- Israel
Klingbeil and Merz have garnered a reputation for strong pro-Israel stances amidst ongoing conflicts, supporting Israel's military actions—including strikes against Iran—without explicit criticisms. While some citizens and organizations in Germany have urged the government to rebuke Israel for perceived excessive violence in warfare and called for measures such as suspending arms deliveries to Israel and advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza[2][3], neither Merz nor Klingbeil have responded to these demands in a condemning manner.
The recent administration of Merz and Klingbeil is characterized by a heightened defense policy focus, particularly in terms of Germany's defense policy and backing for Ukraine against Russia. The government's hawkish orientation implies support for Israel's military stance rather than criticism[4]. Nonetheless, no evidence suggests that Klingbeil or Merz have utilized the phrase "grubby work" in relationship to Israel's actions against Iran, as we've seen in available sources.
Instead, their stance appears to revolve around strategic support for Israel's security measures as part of broader geopolitical and military deliberations. This analysis makes it evident that both leaders support Israel's defensive and aggressive actions, refraining from criticizing them using moral terms such as "grubby work."
- The Commission, in light of the current geopolitical situation and Iran's rejection of Israel's right to exist, has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, as part of the broader policy-and-legislation agenda, given the politics involved in the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict.
- Amidst the heated debates over Israel's military actions, including strikes against Iran, the United Nations and International Atomic Energy Agency have taken a more neutral stance, focusing on the protection of workers in the region from the risks related to ionizing radiation, a crucial aspect of policy-and-legislation in the realm of general news.
