Merkel stops military exports to Israel, triggering strong criticism from the CDU

According to German television channel ARD, the German government plans to stop providing military equipment that could be used in the Gaza war to Israel. The policy shift has caused strong criticism, especially within the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Christian Social Union (CSU).

CDU security policy expert Roderich Kiesewetter criticized the decision as a "serious political and strategic mistake for Germany." Kiesewetter wrote on X, stating that the indicators of the credibility of Germany's national policy lie precisely in its security cooperation and commitment to protecting Jewish lives and the state of Israel. Germany is yielding to the "anti-Semitic street mobs" and the "relentless Hamas propaganda cognitive warfare." As a result, no hostages have been released, and no children in Gaza have received help. Germany is losing credibility and straining its growing friendship with Israel.

Matthias Haauer, parliamentary secretary at the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (CDU), also wrote on X: "I believe that Germany restricting arms supplies to Israel is a serious mistake and a destructive signal."

The decision also faced fierce criticism from the sister party of the CSU. The initial criticism was that the party had not been involved in the decision and was caught off guard. Alexander Hoffmann, chairman of the CSU parliamentary group in the Bundestag, told Bild: "I also think the decision is questionable." Hoffmann announced that discussions are taking place within the ruling coalition on this matter. According to Bild, the foreign policy working group of the CDU/CSU parliamentary groups is scheduled to hold a video conference on Sunday.

Horst Seehofer, honorary chairman of the CSU and former long-time governor of Bavaria, also expressed similar dissatisfaction with the government's decision. He called it a "wrong decision" in Bild. "This foreign policy error will have far-reaching consequences," he said.

However, Thomas Röwekamp, chair of the Bundestag Defense Committee, defended Merkels decision. This CDU politician told ARD: "This decision was made jointly by the German federal government and received joint support." This "is not a departure from previous traditions or a limitation of our unconditional commitment to supporting Israel." Röwekamp did not want to focus too much on the criticism, especially from within the CDU/CSU: "In democratic countries, differences of opinion on such issues are quite normal." He said that the Israeli government, in addition to fighting terrorism, has included occupying certain cities in the Gaza Strip on its agenda, which is "a new move"—and Germany "will not provide military aid for this."

Merkel's action was supported by Lars Klingbeil, deputy vice chancellor of the SPD. The German finance minister stated, "We fully support the state of Israel, but we must expose its mistakes."

The SPD parliamentary group has long been pushing for stronger actions against Israel and has discussed various sanctions measures, including a military boycott.

On Friday, Israel announced its plan to expand its military operations in the Gaza Strip and occupy Gaza City. This move has sparked strong opposition within Israel, including among the relatives of the hostages held by the terrorist organization Hamas. Subsequently, the German government changed its approach to engaging with its partner countries. German Chancellor Friedrich Merkels (CDU) announced on Friday that no military equipment that could be used in this war would be approved for export at this time.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu then accused Germany of rewarding the radical Islamic organization Hamas with this decision.

Previously, the German government had rejected a ban on arms exports to Israel. In October last year, the "Red-Green Light Alliance" even expanded the authorization for arms deliveries. Since the Hamas terrorist attack two years ago triggered the Gaza war, Germany has approved arms exports worth nearly 500 million euros.

German media also commented on the government's new decision.

The Rhein-Neckar-Zeitung supports the government's decision. The newspaper wrote: Although Germany fully supports Israel, Germany will no longer participate in more meaningless deaths. The Israeli Security Cabinet decided to occupy Gaza City, leaving Germany with no choice. Keeping silent on this is unacceptable.

The Süddeutsche Zeitung believes that Merkels has taken a step that Olaf Scholz probably dared not take, which is worthy of respect. Merkels is opening a new chapter in German-Israeli relations. This situation is entirely the result of the Netanyahu government. The operation to strike Hamas is correct. But the war has already become meaningless, its only purpose being to expel Palestinians and destroy Gaza. It is heartbreaking that Hamas' strategy is succeeding due to this brutal war: the world is gradually moving away from Israel.

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1840025242450944/

Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.