The Conservative Democratic Union (CDU) expresses increasing displeasure towards Israel

The Conservative Democratic Union (CDU) expresses increasing displeasure towards Israel

In a significant development, the CDU-led German conservative bloc has taken a stance against imposing punitive EU sanctions on Israel amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This decision comes in the face of accusations of genocide and a call for sanctions from CDU foreign policy expert Norbert Röttgen.

The opposition to sanctions is shared by CDU politicians, aligned with their Bavarian sister party CSU. Martin Huber, CSU secretary general, has explicitly rejected sanctions and entry bans, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong democratic relations with Israel. He notes that criticism is permissible but punitive measures between allied democracies are unacceptable.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) has also avoided supporting sanctions, instead focusing on humanitarian aid efforts. This includes dispatching Bundeswehr aircraft to Gaza for relief operations.

Germany, under the leadership of the CDU/CSU, has blocked EU moves to impose sanctions such as suspending Israel’s participation in the Horizon Europe research program. The decision will be coordinated with European partners, and the federal government will decide on this basis whether to support steps against Israel due to the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.

The suspension of funding is specifically for startups active in military and security-related areas. Röttgen, however, suggests suspending projects and agreements with Israel that express commitment to humanitarian and international law obligations.

Award-winning Israeli author David Grossman, a peace activist and novelist, has spoken of a "genocide" regarding the military operations in the Gaza Strip. His comments were published in the Italian newspaper "La Repubblica" on Friday. Grossman associates the words "Israel" and "famine" as devastating, given Israel's alleged sensitivity to human suffering due to the Holocaust.

Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul will inform Chancellor Friedrich Merz this Saturday about the results of his two-day trip to Israel and the West Bank. Wadephul has expressed concern over Israel's increasing isolation regarding the war in the Gaza Strip.

Röttgen warns against recognizing a Palestinian state, stating it could lead to a ceasefire becoming less likely and Israel hardening its positions. He urges European actors to end their divergence in Middle East policy.

This news is based on reports from ntv.de and AFP. The CDU-led German conservative bloc's stance is to reject punitive EU sanctions on Israel, favoring criticism and humanitarian support over sanctions, to protect longstanding political and diplomatic ties.

1. The CDU-led German conservative bloc, supporting the stance of Norbert Röttgen and Martin Huber, rejects punitive EU sanctions on Israel, instead focusing on criticism and humanitarian support to preserve their longstanding political and diplomatic ties.
2. Amidst warnings from CDU foreign policy expert Norbert Röttgen about potential recognition of a Palestinian state, the CDU-led German conservative bloc continues to oppose punitive EU sanctions on Israel, favoring a approach of criticism and humanitarian aid.

Read also: