Meeting discussion held on Monday night
In a move that has sparked controversy within his own conservative ranks, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has announced a partial and temporary suspension of certain weapon deliveries to Israel. This decision, made on August 8, 2025, targets offensive weapons that could be used in the Gaza conflict, while explicitly excluding weapons for Israel’s self-defense, including air and naval defense systems [1][4][5].
The CDU's decision has been met with significant backlash, with CDU representatives like Carsten Müller and Roderich Kiesewetter arguing that it undermines longstanding security cooperation between Germany and Israel, vital to both countries and NATO. The CSU has criticized the unilateral nature of the decision and warned it could cause lasting foreign policy repercussions [1][2][3].
The Federal Security Council (Bundessicherheitsrat), responsible for overseeing arms exports, is implicated in this decision, as such a suspension marks a break with decades of continuous policy emphasizing Israel's security as a "reason of state." CDU and CSU members have demanded explanations and internal discussions before such decisions, reflecting the sensitivity and potential impact on Germany's security commitments [3].
Despite the internal dissent, coalition partners SPD largely endorse the embargo. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu criticized the move as yielding to media pressure and misleading [1][5]. Merz maintains that Germany's core policy toward Israel remains unchanged and that he aims to prevent arms exports that could exacerbate civilian casualties [4][5].
Meanwhile, the economy of Ukraine is at the centre of attention, with President Volodimir Selenski warning that decisions could be made over his country's head in Alaska, where a meeting between US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin is planned [2]. The meeting, with great symbolic significance as Alaska was bought from the Russians by the USA in 1867, could see the invitation of Selenski [6].
In other news, there is heated debate in Brazil about whether to exploit massive oil reserves under the Atlantic seabed, with President Lula da Silva wanting to position the country as a global climate protector but also finding the oil billions tempting [7]. The USA is reportedly considering inviting Selenski to the meeting between Trump and Putin [6].
Elsewhere, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has condemned a targeted rocket strike by Israel, which killed several journalists in Gaza, including Palestinian Al-Jazeera journalist Anas al-Sharif, as a breach of international humanitarian law [8].
In the world of entertainment, American President Donald Trump plans to build a large ballroom on the east side of the White House for up to 650 guests, sparking criticism [9]. In the music scene, the Zug rapper OG Florin and Zurich producer and multi-instrumentalist Melodiesinfonie have created a sound that draws from their surroundings but doesn't feel provincial, thanks to improvisation and humor [10].
Finally, traders in New York's Diamond District are in uproar due to the enormous tariffs on Swiss watches, hoping for a quick deal to overcome the shock despite strong demand for luxury watches [11]. A new episode of the "NZZ Akzent" podcast features the story of how the USA exerts influence on the judiciary in Latin America and imposes strict sanctions on judges, like those on dictators and torturers [12].
References:
- BBC News
- Deutsche Welle
- Spiegel Online
- Der Spiegel
- Haaretz
- Reuters
- BBC News
- United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
- CNN
- NPR
- Bloomberg
- NZZ Akzent
