Members of the German Bundestag are largely supportive of the federal government’s decision to halt certain arms deliveries to Israel.
The move follows a decision by the Israeli security cabinet and has prompted widespread discussion among German parliamentarians. Jürgen Hardt, foreign policy spokesperson for the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, stated that the response was unavoidable given months of expressed concerns regarding the situation in Gaza. He emphasized that the recent actions by the Israeli government necessitated a response, signaling that Germany views the approach in Gaza as detrimental to Israel’s standing and security. While reaffirming support for Israel’s goal of dismantling Hamas, Hardt highlighted the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, which he believes primarily benefits Hamas’s propaganda efforts. He asserted Israel’s responsibility as an occupying power to ensure humanitarian aid reaches the population.
Thomas Röwekamp, Chairman of the Defense Committee, explained that the decision stemmed from a disagreement with the new political aim of temporarily placing the Gaza Strip under Israeli control. He noted a shift from prioritizing counter-terrorism – a goal previously supported by Germany and its allies – to pursuing a political objective through military means. Röwekamp stressed that Germany’s solidarity remains with the Israeli people and state, but not necessarily with the current government and reiterated Israel’s right to exist as a cornerstone of German foreign policy. He expressed concern that the new course would hinder the pursuit of a two-state solution.
SPD foreign policy spokesperson Ralf Stegner criticized the expansion of the Gaza conflict, asserting that German arms deliveries should not contribute to the humanitarian crisis or settlement policy. He warned that the Netanyahu government risked losing even its most loyal friends. He outlined conditions for security and peace – an end to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, a halt to illegal settlements and a ceasefire leading to a two-state solution with international support.
Sara Nanni, Green Party spokesperson on security policy and a member of the Defense Committee, labelled the halt to certain arms deliveries as an overdue signal, recognizing that the government had long expressed doubts regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza. She urged further pressure on Israel to allow humanitarian aid to reach civilians.
Luise Amtsberg, former Human Rights Commissioner, strongly criticized the Israeli security cabinet’s decision to take control of Gaza, viewing it as detrimental to negotiations and the safety of hostages. She supported the government’s decision to halt arms deliveries, stating that Germany should not support Israel’s breaches of international law and calling for sanctions regarding settlement construction in the West Bank.
Janis Ehling, Executive Director of the Left Party, advocated for further measures, stating that the arms export halt was long overdue and that Germany had supplied weapons used against the civilian population in Gaza for too long. He suggested that the Chancellor should recognize Palestine as a state to advance the peace process.
The decision has generated internal debate within the CDU/CSU, with Johannes Winkel, Chairman of the Junge Union, expressing concern that it represents a break from decades of CDU/CSU policy and a deviation from the principles of Staatsräson (reason of state).