The new German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has considerably criticized Israeli procedure in the Gaza Strip. He breaks with his previous line of unconditional support. His federal government is confronted with a “moral dilemma”.
“In order to influence the civilian population in such a way that this has increasingly been the case in recent days, it is no longer possible to be justified with a fight against Hamas terrorism,” Merz said at the “WDR European Dorum 2025” at the Digital Conference Re: Publica in Berlin.
Germany must not be withdrawn for no other country in the world with public advice to Israel, Merz added. “But if the boundaries are exceeded, where humanitarian international law is now really violated, then Germany must also say, then the German federal Chancellor must also say something.”
Merz emphasized the partnership between Germany and Israel. “But the Israeli government should not do anything that at some point her best friends are no longer willing to accept.”
Criticism must be allowed
The German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul wants to conquer the Association Agreement of the European Union with Israel. The agreement is correct and must be stored, Wadephul said when visiting Madrid. However, this does not mean that an Israeli government should not be criticized. However, the agreement was concluded with the state of Israel and not with the government.
Wadephul emphasized that during a meeting of EU Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Brussels last week had been a majority to check the agreement but not to suspend.
“Moral dilemma” for arms deliveries
Wadephul rejects a stop from the export from German weapons to Israel. Israel is exposed to countless dangers from outside, for example from Hisbollah, Houthis and Iran, Wadephul said in Madrid. All these actors want to destroy Israel.
At the same time, Israel’s right to exist is part of the German state percentages. The federal government is therefore obliged to help Israel with the provision of its safety, and this also included arms deliveries. Nevertheless, the situation in the Gaza Strip is “a great political and moral dilemma for us”, Wadephul emphasized.
Various MEPs from Wadephuls (CDU) Coalition partner SPD had previously called to an end to German arms deliveries to Israel. The background is the accusation that Israel is hunger as a weapon against the Palestinian civilian population. Israel denies this and accuses the radical Islamic Hamas to steal certain assistance for citizens.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
