Youthful Union components criticize Merz over Israel truce
The decision by Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz to halt certain arms exports to Israel has sparked controversy, with various political parties and organisations expressing different views on the matter.
The German-Israeli Society (DIG) has criticised the federal government's decision, warning that it could be a "propaganda victory for Hamas" and potentially endanger German air security. The DIG's warning is in reference to the federal government's order of the Israeli Arrow 3 missile defense system.
Vice-Chancellor Lars Klingbeil of the SPD supports the move, while the Central Council of Jews is sharply criticising the German export ban on certain arms goods to Israel. The Left's foreign policy spokeswoman, Lea Reisner, calls for the federal government to suspend the EU Association Agreement with Israel, recognise Palestine, and implement measures of the International Court of Justice's opinion.
The Young Union, the youth wing of the CDU, is criticising the halt on arms exports primarily because the decision was made unilaterally, without consulting the party or coalition partners. The Young Union's criticism is expressed on Instagram with the question "State reasons checked?"
CDU foreign policy expert Norbert Röttgen supports Merz's decision, while the Left attributes the halt of arms exports to political pressure. The Young Union's criticism is due to the decision potentially being a "break with the principles of Union policy."
According to information from the "Bild" newspaper, there is reported irritation within the Union due to Merz's decision. High-ranking CSU circles indicate that representatives of the CDU's sister party were "not involved in this decision" and were "surprised" by it. The Federal Chairman of the JU, Johannes Winkel, has also criticised the decision, referring to a statement by the Federal President.
Several CDU and CSU members expressed feeling "stunned," "angry," and "horrified," emphasising that arms cooperation is crucial to Germany's credibility and security relations with Israel. They argue that trusting Israel to use weapons lawfully remains essential. Critics warn this move breaks with decades of continuity in German foreign policy aimed at Israel’s security and risks delayed consequences in the coalition and Germany-Israel relations.
SPD parliamentary group's foreign policy spokesman, Adis Ahmetovic, calls for further sanctions against Israel. The Central Council President, Josef Schuster, states that this policy change runs counter to all expressions of solidarity and promises made by the Federal Chancellor.
In sum, the Young Union and parts of Merz's own party see the halt on arms exports as damaging Germany’s principled support for Israel’s defense and a unilateral policy shift lacking political consensus in a historically sensitive arena.
- The Young Union, the youth wing of the CDU, expressed their criticism of the halt on arms exports to Israel, expressing concern that it could be a "break with the principles of Union policy" and potentially harm Germany's support for Israel's defense.
- The halt on arms exports to Israel has sparked discussions in the realm of youth policy within the CDU, with the Young Union questioning if state reasons were properly checked and expressing worry that this unilateral decision could have delayed consequences in Germany-Israel relations.
