War's Initial Casualty: Empathy
In the midst of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, German politician Friedrich Merz's decision to end arms exports to Israel has sparked controversy. Critics argue that the move, while significant, is insufficient and mainly symbolic, serving as a distraction rather than a meaningful change in Germany's support for Israel's military actions.
Merz's suspension of arms exports to the Gaza Strip "until further notice" has been met with criticism for its lack of clarity and comprehensiveness. Critics question what will happen to arms already approved but undelivered, and those used in the West Bank, where expulsions of Palestinians are ongoing.
The exemption of weapons categorized as serving Israel’s self-defense, such as ships, submarines, reconnaissance, and missile technology, has also drawn criticism. This exemption suggests that Germany's support remains effectively intact for much of Israel’s military capability.
Some see the policy as a way for the German government to shield itself from accountability regarding support for what critics call "genocide against Palestinians," without altering the underlying policy of aiding Israel militarily or politically.
Merz faces criticism even within his own party, reflecting concerns about the impact on German-Israeli relations and whether the partial arms freeze compromises Germany’s historical commitment to Israel. Critics also highlight that Germany’s continued arms exports contribute to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has attracted international condemnation against Israel's intensified military operations.
While Merz defends the decision as a necessary response to the escalating conflict and civilian casualties, emphasizing Germany’s ongoing support for Israel's right to self-defense, critics perceive the measures as half-hearted and insufficient in the face of grave humanitarian concerns.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has officially stated his desire to occupy the entire Gaza Strip, a potential escalation stage. The news and images from Gaza include hunger, corpses, shot-up buildings, journalists targeted and killed, and humiliating bans with no legal basis.
Amidst this turmoil, some express compassion for civilian victims in Gaza, anger towards the West's laissez-faire attitude, and empathy for hostages. Freelance author Christoph Ruf believes that one can only argue against supporting the conflict if one has not been affected by the news and images from Gaza.
The internal political component rarely spoken about is that large parts of the Muslim community feel that the West, and especially Germany, invoking human rights is hollow and deceitful. Anti-Semitism, although present, should not be combated by generalizing and denying democratic rights to entire ethnic groups.
Lies are said to precede the death of the ability to empathize. Not supporting the conflict with German weapons would have been shameful, according to some. However, critics argue that ending arms exports could reverse the question of guilt.
In the end, the gesture of ending arms exports to Israel is considered important, but not expected from this government. The debate continues, with critics calling for a more comprehensive and decisive action to address the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
[1] Critics' Key Arguments: Lack of Clarity and Comprehensiveness, Continuing Unconditional Support, Criticism of Germany’s Narrative, Internal Backlash and Political Tension, Humanitarian Concerns. [2] Sources: https://www.dw.com/en/germany-suspends-arms-exports-to-israel/a-58821548 [3] Sources: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/germany-says-to-halt-arms-exports-to-israel-gaza-strip-2021-11-18/ [4] Sources: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/11/18/germany-says-it-will-halt-arms-exports-to-israel-gaza-strip [5] Sources: https://www.haaretz.com/world-news/europe/2021-11-18/germany-says-it-will-halt-arms-exports-to-israel-gaza-strip-1.100423810
