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Merz, the Federal Chancellor, defends the truce with Israel.

German Chancellor Merz maintains his stance on refraining from specific munitions shipments to Israel. According to him, the foundation of German-Israel relations remains intact, as stated by the Christian Democrat. Nevertheless, The Union voices strong disapproval.

German Chancellor Merz upholds the truce with Israel
German Chancellor Merz upholds the truce with Israel

Merz, the Federal Chancellor, defends the truce with Israel.

The German government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, has announced a temporary suspension of arms exports to Israel for use in the Gaza Strip. This decision was primarily prompted by Israel's plan, approved by its Security Cabinet, to seize control of Gaza City amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas.

The suspension specifically prohibits approvals for military equipment exports that could be used in Gaza, while explicitly excluding weapons that serve Israel's self-defense, such as air and naval defense systems including ships, submarines, reconnaissance, and missile technology. Chancellor Merz reiterated that Germany's fundamental support for Israel's right to defend itself remains unchanged, and the country will continue to assist Israel's self-defense efforts.

The rationale behind this partial halt is rooted in concerns over the escalating military operations in Gaza, which threaten to cause severe civilian casualties and humanitarian suffering. The German government underscored the increased difficulty of achieving objectives like securing the release of hostages and pushing for a ceasefire under intensified Israeli military action. Merz emphasized the "even greater responsibility" on Israel to ensure humanitarian aid reaches civilians and called for unobstructed access for UN and NGO agencies.

This move marks a notable modification of Germany's traditionally strong pro-Israel alignment, though the government insists the embargo is temporary and aimed at promoting humanitarian solutions amid rising civilian harm in Gaza. Critics argue the partial halt is largely symbolic, given the exemptions for key military support and the government’s reaffirmed close relations with Israel.

Interestingly, a majority of 54% of Germans support the recognition of Palestine as a state, according to a recent poll. However, criticism has also been heard from within the Union, particularly from the CSU, for insufficient coordination and a risky change of course. The CSU is under pressure within Merz's own party for the decision to halt arms deliveries to Israel.

There has been disagreement within the government as well. CSU leader Markus Söder expressed discontent, feeling bypassed because he had not been informed in advance. Germany will continue to help Israel defend itself, but will not supply weapons into a conflict that could claim hundreds of thousands of civilian lives.

It is important to note that the responsibility for the war lies with Hamas, which is a terrorist organization that triggered the conflict. Merz has defended the partial halt of arms deliveries to Israel, emphasizing the need to protect civilian lives and promote peace in the region. The talks between the Chancellery and the CSU are already underway regarding the decision to halt arms deliveries to Israel.

  1. The temporary suspension of arms exports to Israel by Germany, despite its strong policy-and-legislation support for Israel's right to self-defense, is a response to rising concerns over war-and-conflicts in the Gaza Strip, particularly the threat of severe civilian casualties and humanitarian suffering.
  2. The German government's decision to halt certain arms deliveries to Israel is a notable adjustment in its traditional alignment towards Israel, sparking disagreement within the government and general-news discussions concerning the rationale, effectiveness, and implications of such a move in the context of the ongoing conflict.

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