The Brash Chancellor: Merz's Controversial Quote on Israel's Iran Strikes
- *
Underhanded dealings, shady business transactions, covert operations - "Merz's remarks under scrutiny": analysis of Merz's comments regarding Iran
"Israel is doing the dirty business for us all": Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) has stepped on some toes with his comments on Israel's strikes on Iran, even raising eyebrows within his own coalition party, the SPD. "This language choice in such a highly sensitive situation has caused unease within the SPD-Fraktion", said foreign policy spokesman Adis Ahmetović to "ZDFheute.de". The Greens, Left party, and the Sahra Wagenknecht alliance also chirped in their disapproval.
However, Merz remains unbothered by the criticism. "This statement has received overwhelming support", said Merz in Berlin. A few dissenting voices have been heard, but Merz sees no reason to engage with them.
Merz's critics refer to a statement he made in a ZDF interview on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Canada, in which he picked up on the term "filthy work" used in a question by moderator Diana Zimmermann. Merz said, "I am grateful to you, Frau Zimmermann, for the concept of dirty work. Israel is doing the dirty business for us all. We, too, are affected by this regime. This Mullah-regime has brought death and destruction to the world." Merz also expressed "great respect" towards the Israeli army or government for having the courage to take such steps.
SPD Politician Dubs Statement "Tone-Deaf"
SPD politician Ahmetović, foreign policy spokesman for his faction, distanced himself: "The top priority in this highly sensitive situation is de-escalation. The tone of the Federal Chancellor is not helpful in this regard." His SPD faction colleague Ralf Stegner told "Spiegel", "If the Federal Chancellor says that Israel is doing the dirty work for us in Iran, that's more than just unsettling."
Not Just Unsettling, but Ignorant
The opposition expressed even stronger feelings. Luise Amtsberg, rapporteur of the Green faction for the Near East and Iran, criticized both the wording and the content of Merz's statement. She said, "Instead of cynical and ignorant commentaries by the Federal Chancellor, I expect the federal government to do everything in this tense situation to de-escalate." Green politician Anton Hofreiter said to Welt TV, "I consider the wording unfortunate." In Iran, 80 to 90 percent of the people are against the Islamist regime – "and civilians also die in Israel's attacks on Iran."
Criticism of Merz's Disregard for International Law
Left faction leader Pellmann spoke out against Merz's comments: "When Chancellor Merz now throws international law overboard and agrees to the logic of 'might makes right', it's a scandal and significantly damages Germany's reputation at the United Nations and beyond."
AfD Questions Merz's Loyalty to Germany
AfD chairwomen Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla questioned Merz's loyalty to Germany. "Contributing actively to war is not in the interest of Germany and Europe", they explained. "Europe's politicians must protect their citizens from the negative effects of the Middle East conflict, such as migration movements or attacks, and promote peace diplomatically."
Sahra Wagenknecht Slams Merz for Supporting Violation of International Law
BSW leader Sahra Wagenknecht bashed Merz's comments as unparalleled blunders. "Merz is flagrantly legitimizing a violation of international law, an aggressive war that has already claimed hundreds of innocent lives in Iran", she stated. "This is a departure from the traditional restraint in foreign policy."
Stirring Up Controversy Among German-Iranians
Merz's comments sparked shock within the German-Iranian community. Journalist Gilda Sahebi wrote on Instagram, "Mr. Merz, YOU are not affected by this regime. The ones affected first are the 80 million people in Iran who have been living under the tyranny of this regime for 46 years." She argued that it's not Israel doing the "dirty work" but the masses resisting the rulers, who are currently being bombed.
- Friedrich Merz
- Dirty work
- Iran
- Israel
- SPD
- CDU
- Berlin
- Sahra Wagenknecht
- Diana Zimmermann
- Germany
- Sören Pellmann
- Left party
- G8 summit
- Canada
- Woman
- Death
Insights:
Critics argue that Merz's comments show a dangerous simplification and disregard for the negative consequences of similar military interventions in the past. People affected by such conflicts are wary of further escalations and the potential harm to civilians and stability in the region. Merz's direct, confrontational style has also caused tension within his own party and political allies, as some believe his rhetoric risks alienating the public.
The Commission's proposal for increasing the number of national programmes by Member States in the policy-and-legislation domain for the period 2000-06, could reflect the Commission's intention to address the issues arising from war-and-conflicts like the one involving Israel and Iran, which has sparked controversy due to Chancellor Friedrich Merz's direct comments supporting Israel's actions, causing unease among political allies and general-news constituents. Sahra Wagenknecht, leader of the BSW, has harshly criticized Merz's stance as a flagrant legitimization of a violation of international law and a departure from traditional foreign policy restraint.
