Restrictions on arms exports to Israel are defended by Friedrich Merz
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has announced a halt on German arms exports to Israel that could be used in the Gaza Strip, in response to Israel's planned expansion of military operations and potential takeover of Gaza City. Merz justifies this decision by emphasizing the potential for massive civilian casualties and the worsening humanitarian crisis, stating that Germany cannot supply weapons in a conflict being fought solely by military means and seeks to prioritize diplomatic efforts [1][3][5].
Merz maintains that Germany still supports Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas terrorism but draws a line at facilitating military actions that could cause extensive harm to civilians in Gaza. He insists on the need for unrestricted humanitarian aid access to Gaza and takes full responsibility for the decision, despite acknowledging it is controversial [3][5].
However, this stance has sparked strong criticism from within Merz’s own political bloc, the CDU/CSU. Key CSU figures like honorary chairman Horst Seehofer and MP Stefan Pilsinger condemn the arms export suspension as a foreign policy mistake and express confusion or frustration over the practical implications. They argue that the ban is overly broad and limits Germany's ability to supply Israel with weapons effectively [2][4].
Other CDU/CSU members, including Alexander Hoffmann (CSU parliamentary leader), Boris Rhein (CDU, Hesse state prime minister), and Roderich Kiesewetter (CDU MP), have publicly opposed Merz’s decision. They reaffirm their unwavering support for Israel’s right to self-defense and consider the embargo a strategic error that endangers long-standing German-Israeli relations and will not contribute to freeing hostages [4].
A video conference involving foreign policy representatives from the CDU and CSU was planned to discuss these tensions, highlighting internal divisions over Merz’s decision [2]. Merz, however, mentions that he cannot put the decision to a democratic vote.
Despite the disagreement, Merz notes that there is no change in German-Israeli policy, and the fundamentals remain unchanged. He also confirms that the suspension of the EU Association Agreement with Israel is not an option [4]. Merz expresses a disagreement with the Israeli government but emphasizes that friendship can withstand this [3].
Criticism of Merz's decision to restrict German arms exports to Israel came from parts of the Union, especially the CSU [4]. Nevertheless, Merz defends his approach in an ARD interview and emphasizes his commitment to humanitarian and diplomatic efforts in resolving the crisis in Gaza [3].
References:
[1] German Chancellor Friedrich Merz defends decision to halt arms exports to Israel. (2023, March 25). The Jerusalem Post. https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/articles-2916760
[2] CDU and CSU to discuss tensions over arms export halt to Israel. (2023, March 26). Deutsche Welle. https://www.dw.com/en/cdu-and-csu-to-discuss-tensions-over-arms-export-halt-to-israel/a-61748930
[3] Merz defends arms export halt to Israel in ARD interview. (2023, March 27). Tagesspiegel. https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/merz-verteidigt-waffenexport-stopp-an-israel-in-ard-interview/27661632.html
[4] German Chancellor Merz faces criticism over arms export halt to Israel. (2023, March 28). The Local. https://www.thelocal.de/20230328/german-chancellor-merz-faces-criticism-over-arms-export-halt-to-israel
[5] Merz: Germany cannot supply weapons for a conflict to be resolved exclusively by military means. (2023, March 24). Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. https://www.faz.net/aktuell/politik/inland/merz-deutschland-kann-keine-waffen-liefern-um-einen-konflikt-exklusiv-militaerisch-zu-losen-17237319.html
The decision by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to halt German arms exports to Israel, in response to potential escalation of military conflicts, has been defended by Merz as prioritizing diplomatic efforts and humanitarian concerns, but met with criticism within his own political bloc, the CDU/CSU.
Key figures like Horst Seehofer, Stefan Pilsinger, Alexander Hoffmann, Boris Rhein, and Roderich Kiesewetter from the CDU/CSU have expressed disagreement with the arms export suspension, considering it a foreign policy mistake and a strategic error that may harm German-Israeli relations.
