Criticism of Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip is becoming increasingly strong in Germany. Requests to stop arms deliveries to Israel have increased. Chancellor Merz also criticizes.
It was not a big surprise that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz was asked about Israel’s behavior in the Gaza Strip war at the European Forum of WDR Radio in Berlin. It can be assumed that Merz chose his words carefully when he replied that “he did not understand what the Israeli army was currently doing in the Gaza Strip” and that “this could not be justified by the fight against Hamas terrorism.”
He warned the Israeli government not to do anything “that even its best friends would no longer be able to accept.” Merz has never publicly criticized Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip in this way.
GERMAN GOVERNMENT UNDER PRESSURE
The Chancellor’s statements came at a time when the current German government line towards Israel is exposed to increasing public pressure. According to recent polls, the majority of the German population does not accept Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip, which include military actions but also the reduction of humanitarian aid. The parliamentary group of the Social Democrats (SPD), which is part of the government, meanwhile is seeking a stop to arms deliveries to Israel.
This demand has long been formulated in opposition. The parliamentary group of the Left Party is calling for a complete ban on arms deliveries. The Greens want only the arms deliveries used in the war in the Gaza Strip to be stopped.
The international community is also discussing a possible ban on arms deliveries to Israel. The Spanish government is in favor of this. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadepfule rejected the Spanish proposal during his visit to Madrid. His party colleague, Christian Democrat Armin Laschet, who chairs the Bundestag Foreign Affairs Committee, is also still in favor of “quiet diplomacy.”
GERMANY IS SENDING SUBMARINES AND CORVETTES
German military support for Israel has a long tradition, and its roots are in Germany’s guarantees for the security of the Hebrew state. For example, German submarines have been in service of the Israeli navy for many years and, according to independent media reports, they may also carry nuclear warheads. A few years ago, Germany sent Israel extremely modern corvettes, which are now in use even on the coasts of the Gaza Strip. Another example is Israeli tanks that have German engines and German-installed gun barrels.
MILLION-DOLLAR WEAPON EXPORTS TO ISRAEL
Last year, the German government allowed arms exports to Israel, with a total value of 161 million euros. In the first quarter of this year, exports reached a value of 28 million euros. This places Israel in tenth place among the countries to which Germany exports weapons and military equipment. The Federal Security Council, which consists of the German Chancellor, ministries, and respective ministers, decides on deliveries. The sessions of this body are secret.
Will the German government limit future arms exports to Israel? Will Germany join the sanctions that the European Union would impose on Israel, or will it not block them? The government is still avoiding such measures. With its harsh statements, Berlin is increasing pressure on the Israeli leadership and hopes it will surrender.
Representatives of the German government have consistently emphasized that more humanitarian aid must be supplied to the Gaza Strip. “Very late and very little,” said a spokeswoman for the German Foreign Ministry, evaluating the supply to the Palestinian population. German Chancellor Merz may discuss this with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a planned phone call this week. (DW)