Former Israeli Ambassador to Germany, Jeremy Issacharoff, has indicated support for the pause in arms shipments to Israel, characterizing the decision by parliamentary opposition leader Friedrich Merz as “measured in scope and limited in time.
In comments to the “Handelsblatt” newspaper, Issacharoff acknowledged a divergence between the German stance and current Israeli policy, but also noted it aligns with his personal perspective as an Israeli citizen – “and likely the opinion of 60 to 70 percent of Israelis, who want the war to end and all the hostages – both the living and the dead – to be returned”. He emphasized the understanding from the German side for a post-conflict plan for the Gaza Strip, a desire to envision a future beyond the current hostilities.
Regarding a resolution to the crisis, Issacharoff advocated for substantial international pressure on Hamas to secure the release of Israeli hostages and bring an end to the war. He proposed a unified approach involving the United States, Arab nations such as Qatar and Egypt and European powers including Great Britain, France and Germany. “That would be a turning point – far more significant than debates about the recognition of a Palestinian state or an arms embargo” he stated.