Leftist Israel Protesters Assault Brandenburg's Commissioner Against Antisemitism in Dispute
In a striking turn of events, Andreas Büttner, a prominent member of Germany's Left Party (Die Linke), finds himself at the centre of an internal conflict due to his pro-Israel stance and opposition to the party's official position on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Nine party members from various states have submitted an application for Büttner's expulsion, accusing him of repeatedly violating party resolutions through his social media statements. The petition cites instances where Büttner has denied international law and criticized the party's support for Palestinian state recognition[1].
Büttner, who serves as the commissioner for anti-Semitism in Brandenburg, has defended Israel in the conflict with Hamas and opposed policies favoured by the Left Party, such as Germany recognizing a Palestinian state. His critics in the party have pointed to his critical comments on the UN agency for Palestinian refugees and his controversial remarks on social media as grounds for expulsion[1].
However, Büttner has defended his position by emphasizing the importance of protecting Jews in Brandenburg and stating that while Israel’s government makes mistakes, he does not see it as his role to criticize it[1]. This stance has led to increased opposition against him, with some party members labelling him "Zionist pig," "child murderer," and even a "Holocaust denier"[1].
The application against Büttner also states that his statements about the Middle East conflict violate existing party resolutions and ignore international law in some of his arguments[1]. One point of contention is his criticism of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), with Israel accusing the agency of being infiltrated by the Islamic Hamas[1].
Büttner has also been criticized for not meeting with the Central Council of Jews, a request he made in October[1]. The Left Party, which opposes antisemitism, has defended individual members' right to have their own positions, despite party resolutions binding the party leadership[1].
As of now, no official expulsion has been reported as finalized, but the petition and public attention suggest that Büttner's departure from the party is likely in the near future.
[1] Source: German Press Agency (DPA)
- The application for Andreas Büttner's expulsion from Germany's Left Party cites his criticisms of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) as a violation of party resolutions and a disregard for international law.
- The internal conflict within the Left Party surrounding Büttner's pro-Israel stance has escalated, with some party members labeling him "Zionist pig," "child murderer," and even a "Holocaust denier."
- Migration and crime-and-justice issues have taken a backseat in Germany's political discourse as the ongoing internal conflict within the Left Party, centered around Andreas Büttner's pro-Israel stance, continues to dominate general news and war-and-conflicts discussions.
