German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated on Friday (08.08.201025) that Germany would not issue export permits for military equipment which could be utilized in Gaza until further notice. The media in Germany is commenting extensively on Berlin's decision, pointing out, among others, the German state's rations and benefits for Hamas.
The "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung" diary writes that Israeli plans to extend the war in Gaza are not convincing, but the consequence of the German government only gives Hamas a military advantage. According to the commentator Nikolas Busse, 3 of the 5 objectives the Israeli safety office has adopted for its future activities in the Gaza Strip are full justified: the disarmament of Hamas, the return of hostages and the demilitarisation of the coastal belt. "It must be kept in mind: the origin of the war was Hamas attack on Israel. It is simply a terrorist group that wants to destruct the judaic state. Germany cannot want that either," he emphasises.
Hamas benefit
However, the last 2 goals indicated by the safety office are problematic – the author continues. It is the Israeli safety control over the Gaza Strip and the civilian administration, which should not be Hamas or the Palestinian Authority. Since no arabian State has yet expressed its desire to presume responsibility, these 2 objectives lead to permanent occupation.
"Germany, which rightly advocates a two-state solution, besides cannot want this. The German government should advocate negotiations and ceasefire. Restricting arms supply will only affect the situation for the benefit of Hamas, as in the debate on designation (Palestine-ed.): this gives this terrorist group (small) military advantage. The fact that Israel's safety is simply a German state's ration should not be said in Berlin anymore," writes the Frankfurt Journal.
"The right signal"
"Süddeutsche Zeitung" reads: "If Germany stops supplying weapons, it will not halt the war. But it sends the right signal." "The German government has waited besides long to decide this step. Although improbable to force Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to change his decision, he may get any Israelis to reflect," writes commentator Bernd Dörries.
"For many decades, this has been unthinkable: that the country of Holocaust perpetrators decides to halt arms supplies to Israel. To a land of victims that had to defend itself against hostile surroundings for many decades. After the uprising of the judaic state, German weapons were part of what was then called “reparation” and were essential to the endurance of this tiny country," we read further.
After the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, "German tanks and ammunition were a sign of solidarity", but "it became clear at the latest in fresh months that Israel is not just a victim, but commits unacceptable war crimes in the Gaza Strip".
According to the commentator, "Chancellor Merz opens a fresh and bitter chapter in relations with Israel", and the fact that this is the case is solely the responsibility of the Netanyahu government. "The fight with Hamas was right. But long ago it turned into a pointless war, whose only goal seems to be to expel Palestinians and destruct Gaza." "It is bitter that Hamas' game works, that the planet turns distant from Israel," writes "Süddeutsche Zeitung".
What about the German state's ration?
Commenting on Berlin's decision, the "T-online" website besides points to the German state's correctness and its currentity.
"Some will now say, Definitely besides late! Others: How can Germany’s historical guilt and work to Israel be taken into account? But after taking a deep breath and thinking, there is no area for any of these reactions. Because: yes, Israel's safety is simply a German state ration, and not only since Angela Merkel said it virtually in the Israeli parliament – Kneset. But it does not authorize the Israeli government to do something that is at least very close to genocide," says Christoph Schwennicke.
"Bad signal" from Berlin
Berlin's position is besides extensively commented on by the regional press. The Cologne paper "Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger" states that the Israeli government's decision to conquer Gaza is simply a terrible mistake, but the temporary suspension of the German arms aid is simply a "bad signal". Thus Chancellor Merz "adds wings to enemies of the judaic state". "This is the other of the German state's ration: support for Israel in his defensive battle, even if his last decisions are wrong".
Similarly, the Bavarian diary "Augsburger Allgemeine". "This decision will put a long strain on German-Israeli relations. In fact, a country that considered the safety of the judaic state to be a state of right is partially holding back the supply of arms to Israel. This is hard to explain the current situation in the Gaza Strip, where humanitarian aid is slowing down. Friedrich Merz, at the applause of the (social Democratic) SPD, is bent under anti-Israeli sentiments in much of Europe," we read.
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