Mertz stated on official German television that “Germany has stood by Israel for 80 years, and that will not change,” affirming his country’s continued support for Israel to defend itself. Last Friday, the chancellor announced the suspension of military equipment exports to Israel that could be used in the Gaza Strip, in response to Israel’s plan to take control of Gaza City. This decision sparked objections within the party, including from its youth organization, which considered the decision contrary to the party’s and Germany’s fundamental principles. This move comes at a time when Israel enjoyed broad political support in Germany, a country still seeking to atone for the crimes of the Nazi regime against the Jews. Unlike France, Britain, and Canada, it was noted that this should result from direct negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians. In recent months, Mertz has adopted a tougher stance towards Israel, amid increasing UN warnings of the risk of famine in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing that Germany’s solidarity does not mean agreeing with all Israeli government decisions or supporting it militarily without reservation.
