Steadfast Support: CSU Faction Head: Criticism, But No Sanctions for Israel
Criticisms towards Israel endorsed by CSU state party leader, but rejection of implementing sanctions - Leader of CSU university group advocates for criticism of Israel, but rejects imposition of sanctions
Venturing into the heated discussion surrounding Israel, CSU faction leader Alexander Hoffmann takes a staunch stand, disavowing the remarks made by Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) about assessing weapons deliveries to the nation. "Mates can rightly be criticized, but not sanctioned. Such an approach toward Israel would sever reason, and that's not what the CSU is about," Hoffmann shared with "Der Spiegel." The Gaza war, triggered by a terror attack and Hamas' hostage-taking, should not prompt Germany to forsake its allies in Israel.
In an interview with the "Süddetche Zeitung," Wadephul expressed an intention to scrutinize German arms exports to Israel. "We will assess whether the actions in Gaza can be reconciled with international humanitarian law," he declared. "Depending on this assessment, we'll authorize further arms deliveries if necessary." When pressed whether this could potentially lead to arms deliveries being rejected, Wadephul concurred: "That's the gist of it."
- Israel
- CSU
- Johann Wadephul
- Alexander Hoffmann
- Sanctions
- Arms Delivery
- Berlin
- CDU
Amid the current political climate, it is worth noting that the conservative coalition under Chancellor Friedrich Merz, comprising CDU and CSU, has expressed some concern over Israel's military actions in Gaza. Both Merz and Foreign Minister Wadephul have publicly denounced the latest Israeli offensive and restrictions on humanitarian aid. Furthermore, Wadephul admits that the government is examining whether Israeli actions align with international humanitarian law [3][4].
However, the CDU/CSU coalition generally shuns the imposition of sanctions or a halt in arms deliveries to Israel. Notably, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has protested against suspending arms deliveries to Israel [3][4]. The executive committee of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group concurs with Wadephul that while some "constructive criticism of Israel" is acceptable, discussions of arms embargoes or sanctions are off the table [3][4].
Over the course of the Gaza war, which began on October 7, 2023, Germany has approved arms exports to Israel amounting to approximately €485 million (approximately $554 million), indicating continued support amidst the debate [3][4]. Additionally, Germany is likely to thwart attempts at the European Union level to revise or suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement, with Merz’s government part of a hardline faction resisting such measures [1].
In conclusion, while there is a degree of measured criticism of Israel’s recent actions from CDU/CSU leaders, the coalition advocates against sanctions or arms embargoes against Israel and maintains support for ongoing arms deliveries during the Gaza conflict [1][3][4].
- Despite the criticism from some CDU/CSU leaders over Israel's military actions in Gaza, the coalition, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, has not entertained the idea of imposing sanctions or halting arms deliveries to Israel, as indicated by the continuous approval of arms exports to Israel, amounting to approximately €485 million ($554 million).
- In the midst of the Gaza war, the European Parliament, led by the European Council, the Commission, and the various factions of the European Parliament, including the CDU/CSU coalition, are likely to thwart attempts at the EU level to revise or suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement, demonstrating a steadfast support for Israel in the European Union's policy-and-legislation framework, against the backdrop of politics and general news related to the situation.
