Kretschmer supports Merz in the internal CDU debate on Israel and emphasizes Germany's accountability
Saxony's Minister President Michael Kretschmer has weighed in on the ongoing debate within the CDU regarding Chancellor Friedrich Merz's Israel policy and his recent decision to suspend arms deliveries to Israel.
In an interview on the news channel "Welt," Kretschmer expressed support for Israel's right to defend itself and dismantle Hamas structures, but criticized the methods being used. He emphasized the importance of everything in Israel running according to the principle of proportionality and expressed concern over the number of people dying in the region.
Kretschmer also emphasized the importance of human rights and having a moral compass, stating that it is a special responsibility for the CDU to navigate this complex issue. He criticized open criticism of Merz's Israel policy, suggesting it reflects a healthy, open-minded party culture.
The CDU is currently divided over Merz's decision. On one side, CDU members such as Norbert Röttgen back the suspension of offensive weapon exports to Israel, viewing it as a necessary response to Israel's recent actions in Gaza. On the other hand, leaders such as Horst Seehofer and Alexander Hoffmann from the CDU's Bavarian sister party, the CSU, have strongly criticized this move.
The criticism largely centers on Merz's unilateral approach without party-wide consultation on a delicate issue with deep historical and moral implications for Germany. Some view the move as risking long-term repercussions in foreign relations and coalition dynamics.
The SPD coalition partners largely support Merz's stance, signaling a rare cross-party agreement on the issue, whereas Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu publicly criticized Merz, accusing him of yielding to misleading media pressure and hoping for a policy reversal.
Kretschmer also mentioned ongoing conversations between Friedrich Merz and Mr. Netanyahu. He believes that after much talking and many speeches, consequences are now being reached.
The article contains a photo from the dts news agency. The ongoing situation in Israel continues to spark intense debate within the CDU, as the party grapples with balancing historical commitments to Israel with reactions to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza amid the recent conflict.
[1] "CDU-CSU: Wie Merz seinen Israel-Kurs verändert" (CDU-CSU: How Merz is changing his Israel course). Tagesspiegel. 2021-05-24.
[2] "CDU-CSU: Waffenlieferungen an Israel unterbrochen" (CDU-CSU: Arms deliveries to Israel suspended). Deutsche Welle. 2021-05-19.
[3] "Germany halts arms exports to Israel amid Gaza conflict" (Germany halts arms exports to Israel amid Gaza conflict). Reuters. 2021-05-19.
[4] "Germany's Merz suspends arms exports to Israel amid Gaza conflict" (Germany's Merz suspends arms exports to Israel amid Gaza conflict). Al Jazeera. 2021-05-19.
- The ongoing suspension of arms deliveries to Israel by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, as supported by the CDU, has stirred debates in policy-and-legislation and general-news circles, with Saxony's Minister President Michael Kretschmer expressing concerns over the methods being used and advocating for a balance between Israel's right to defend itself and the importance of human rights.
- The CDU's approach towards Israel's policy has become a political hot topic, with the party divided over Friedrich Merz's decision to suspend arms deliveries, and Kretschmer emphasizing the need for a healthy, open-minded party culture that encourages thoughtful deliberation on complex issues with deep historical and moral implications for Germany.
