Merz breaks with tradition: Israel criticism causes a stir in Berlin!

Merz breaks with tradition: Israel criticism causes a stir in Berlin!

The new German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has decided against the Israeli approach in the Gaza Strip. In a clear departure from the previous German foreign policy of unconditional support for Israel, Merz described the current situation as a "moral dilemma" for the federal government. He emphasized that the civilian population should not suffer so much that this can no longer be justified with the legitimate fight against Hamas. These statements illustrate the complex situation in which Germany is currently located and emphasize the need to adhere to the principles of humanitarian international law in the partnership with Israel.

Merz demanded that Germany should be reserved with Israel in its public communication and at the same time indicate any violations of humanitarian international law. He paid special attention that the Israeli government could take actions that endanger the acceptance of its friends such as Germany. Foreign Minister Johann WadePhul emphasized that despite the existing criticism, the importance of the EU's association agreement must remain with Israel.

lack of unity on weapon exports

At a meeting of the EU Foreign Minister, it became known that a majority approved a review of the agreement with Israel, but did not suggest any suspension. WadePhul also refused to stop the German arms exports to Israel and pointed out that Israel was exposed to external threats. It should be noted that several MPs from the SPD claimed the immediate cessation of arms deliveries to Israel. These demands are based on allegations that Israel uses hunger as a weapon against the Palestinian civilian population, while Israel vehemently rejects the allegations and accuses Hamas to steal aid deliveries.

The weapon deliveries are in the context of an extremely complex discussion: wars not only question moral principles, but also act up legal and ethical dilemmata with regard to dealing with refusers to do war and the deliveries themselves. As the [ufu.de] (https://www.ufu.de/ufu-informations/01-25 weapons deliveries-und- wars service/), the war in Ukraine is to be classified in international law as an attack in international law on a sovereign state. Nevertheless, international law allows the delivery of weapons for self -defense. On the other hand, it turns out that men in Ukraine who want to avoid military service are currently not the pleasure of the right to refuse to do war.

context of international arms deliveries

Germany has announced extensive arms deliveries since the beginning of the Russian attack on Ukraine on February 24, 2022. According to the [Constitutional Blog] (https://verfassungblog.de/waffeien-an-die-ukraine-als-expression-one-value-based Volkerrechts/), 1,000 tank weapons and 500 floor air rockets were delivered to the Ukraine the next day. In an ongoing effort, it was decided to provide 2,700 air defense missiles.

These arms deliveries have led to controversial discussions about neutrality law in Germany, which says that neutral states must not provide any support for warring parties. Nevertheless, some experts argue that the delivery of weapons to the attacked state is permitted in modern international law and is rather a duty to international law. The identification of the aggressor excludes the application of neutrality law, so that states like Germany are not obliged to stand by the aggression.

Overall, it becomes clear that the current international situation in Ukraine and the Middle East conflict raises both political and moral issues that affect both the relations between Germany and Israel and the handling of international law principles.