German politicians from the Social Democratic Party (SPD) are urging the federal government to halt the export of German weapons to Israel in light of potential war crimes in Gaza. According to the SPD’s foreign policy spokesperson, Adis Ahmetovic, “German weapons should not be used to spread humanitarian catastrophes and to break international law.” The party is demanding that the Israeli government commit to a ceasefire and return to the negotiating table.
The SPD’s foreign policy expert, Ralf Stegner, shares a similar view, stating that the humanitarian crisis for the Palestinian civilian population and the breach of international law by the Israeli government must be brought to an end and should not be prolonged with German weapons. Stegner also notes that the current situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank is not comparable to the original justification for the exception in German weapons export policy, which was intended to ensure Israel’s security and defense.
Isabel Cademartori, a Baden-Württemberg SPD representative, warns that Germany could be complicit in war crimes if it continues to supply weapons to Israel, potentially leading to legal action from international courts. She recommends that the German government limit its weapons exports, particularly the delivery of tank ammunition and spare parts and only make exceptions for the “Iron Dome” rocket defense system.
The SPD leadership is facing increasing pressure from within the party, with a resolution to stop all weapons exports to Israel already being passed at the Berlin state party convention. Similar proposals are being discussed in other regional branches and the topic is expected to be debated at the federal party convention in June. Hakan Demir, a Berlin SPD member of the Bundestag, emphasizes that it is wrong to supply weapons in light of the doubts surrounding Israel’s adherence to international law.