German Government Minister Warns Against Undermining of Relations with Israel Amid Gaza Debate
Germany’s Minister of State for the Chancellery, Thorsten Frei, has cautioned against questioning the country’s special relationship with Israel in the midst of the debate over Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip. In an interview with the Frankfurt Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung, Frei emphasized the importance of the bond between Germany and Israel, stating, “There should be no doubt about our connection to Israel. The special relationship with Israel stands above all other considerations. It cannot be put to the test.”
While acknowledging the legitimacy of raising questions about Israel’s strategy, Frei stressed that the situation in Gaza raises concerns about the observance of international law. “The population in the Gaza Strip is being affected in a way that raises doubts about whether the rules of international law are still being upheld” he said. “In the Gaza Strip, one can observe not only the legitimate fight against Hamas but also how the civilian population is being affected by the measures, including the disruption of food supplies and the blocking of aid deliveries.”
Frei believes that the overall situation in Gaza must be openly discussed, even with friends. He emphasized the importance of the principle of proportionality in international law, both in a national and an international context.
On the question of halting all weapons deliveries to Israel, a demand being discussed in some European countries, Frei expressed extreme skepticism. “We stand by our special responsibility for Israel” he said. “Israel is in a permanent struggle for its existence and has a legitimate interest in defending itself. Therefore, the delivery of armaments from Germany is fundamentally correct.”
Regarding the possibility of a visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been issued an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court, Frei stated that such a visit was not currently under consideration, just as a visit by the German Chancellor to Israel was not on the agenda. “In this sense, no decisions need to be made” he said. Germany, he emphasized, respects the independence of the International Criminal Court and its procedures, as well as those of all other international courts.