Urgent missive to Merz: Amount insufficient and arrival tardy
In a notable development, Germany has suspended all arms exports to Israel intended for use in the Gaza Strip, marking a significant change in its long-standing support for Israel's defense [1][3]. The decision comes amidst growing international criticism regarding Israel's Gaza strategy and heightened concerns over potential military actions in Gaza.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced the suspension, emphasizing Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas terrorism but also stressing the humanitarian need for unrestricted access to aid organizations to assist civilians in Gaza affected by the conflict [1]. This policy shift has drawn attention both domestically and internationally.
Historically, Germany has been a strong ally of Israel, providing significant aid and military support. However, recent developments have seen a shift in this stance, with cultural and political dynamics occasionally creating tensions characterized by calls for greater distancing from Israel within parts of German society, often linked to concerns about the humanitarian impact on Palestinians [2].
One such incident involved the German cultural scene distancing itself from the creators of the Oscar-winning film "No Other Land" about settler violence in the West Bank in early 2024 [2]. Another notable event was the shooting of Odah Hadalin, an activist involved in the production of "No Other Land", by the fascist settler Yinon Levi [2].
The suspension of arms exports is not the only sign of this shift. The German government has also been under pressure to act more decisively in deterring Israel from its actions in Gaza [4]. The letter, signed by 205 prominent figures, urges the Federal Chancellor to deter Israel from starving Gaza, accusing Israel of committing genocide using German weapons and implying a deep-rooted complicity of Germany in Israel's actions in Gaza [2].
However, the current aid supplies allowed by the Chancellor are seen as a means to conceal German complicity in Israel's actions, with the letter criticizing them as inadequate and insufficient [2]. The pressure on the German government to act is growing slowly but is still insufficient.
Despite the criticism, Merz has been reluctant to take more decisive action against Israel's actions in Gaza, merely criticizing them while refusing to take concrete steps [1]. This has led to accusations of antisemitism against both the Palestinian-Israeli team behind "No Other Land" and certain celebrities who have shown a lack of solidarity with their colleagues in the production of the film [5].
The letter also suggests that Germany has been subscribing to atonement with Israel for decades, implying a historical shift in perception of Germany's relationship with Israel, suggesting that the grandfather was once seen as a mass murderer [6]. This shift in perspective, coupled with the recent suspension of arms exports, signals a cautious step back from Germany's traditionally steadfast military support for Israel, while still affirming Israel's right to security and emphasizing humanitarian considerations.
Politics and general news outlets have reported on the suspension of German arms exports to Israel, a move that has been linked to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This decision, announced by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, has been met with both domestic and international attention, particularly in the context of heightened concerns over war-and-conflicts and crime-and-justice in Gaza. The policy shift comes amidst criticism of Israel's Gaza strategy and growing pressure for Germany to act more decisively in deterring Israel's actions.
