In a rift within the European Union, the handling of Israel has sparked dissent. Alexander Hoffmann, the chair of the Christian Social Union’s (CSU) state groups, has rejected the statements made by Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), who has suggested putting German arms exports to Israel on the backburner.
Hoffmann told the Spiegel, “You can criticize friends, but not sanction them. That would be the end of the state’s raison d’être towards Israel and that is not something the CSU can accept.” He emphasized that the Gaza conflict, triggered by a terrorist attack and the hostage-taking of the Hamas terrorist organization, should not lead to Germany abandoning its position alongside Israel.
Foreign Minister Wadephul had previously announced in the Süddeutsche Zeitung that the German government would review its arms exports to Israel. He stated that the actions in the Gaza Strip would be examined to see if they align with the humanitarian principles of international law and that, based on this review, the government may grant or deny further arms export permits.
When asked if this could lead to the denial of arms export permits, Wadephul confirmed, “That’s what the formulation says.” Chancellor Friedrich Merz of the CDU had already deviated from the previous government line, accusing Israel of violating humanitarian international law and Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt reportedly cautioned Merz that he did not share this assessment. According to the Spiegel, the statements have caused “considerable furrowing of brows” among leading Union politicians.