Universities at Colorado State refuse to impose penalties against Israel during the Gaza conflict
In the midst of the ongoing Gaza conflict, German CSU General Secretary Martin Huber has made it clear that imposing sanctions on Israel is not an option. During a recent interview, Huber expressed his concern over travel bans imposed by certain countries, such as the Netherlands, against Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, stating that such measures would severely damage the German-Israeli relationship (source 1, source 2, source 4).
Despite growing pressure from some EU member states advocating tougher measures against Israel, such as suspending Israel's participation in EU programs or banning weapons trade, Germany, led by the CDU/CSU bloc including CSU’s Huber, has consistently blocked such sanctions. This stance is largely due to historical responsibility and close ties to Israel (source 5).
Huber has emphasized that Germany's approach remains critical but cautious, with sanctions not on the agenda. He has also stated that Hamas must disarm and release Israeli hostages it has been holding since October 2023. Huber believes that Hamas is the key to ending the conflict in the Middle East and has urged the organization to recognize Israel's right to exist without reservation (source 3).
Furthermore, Huber has made it clear that there can be no peace as long as forces in the Middle East want to destroy Israel and Jewish life. He has reiterated Germany's continued support for Israel, stating that Germany continues to stand by Israel's side during this difficult time.
In summary, Martin Huber, as of late July and early August 2025, maintains a clear position against imposing sanctions on Israel amid the Gaza conflict, advocating criticism without punitive measures between allied nations.
Martin Huber, during an interview, expressed his opposition to travel bans against Israeli ministers, arguing that such measures could negatively impact the German-Israeli relationship. Despite growing pressure within the EU, Germany, under Huber's leadership, has consistently prevented sanctions against Israel in war-and-conflicts policy-and-legislations, due to historical responsibility and close ties. In politics, Huber has maintained a stance critical yet cautious, advocating fordialogue rather than sanctions, with Hamas being the key to peace in the Middle East. In the context of the Gaza conflict, Huber also emphasized that there can be no peace while forces in the region seek to destroy Israel and Jewish life, reinforcing Germany's continued support for Israel as an ally.
